1. Fossils Preserved traces imprints Remains Paleontology "Paleo" = old
Study of "old" or past life

2. Why Study Fossils Trace evolution of life
Interpret past environments (e.g. ocean where today land)

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Dating Rocks using Fossils

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Fossilization

5. Fossilization Conditions which favor fossilization:
Rapid burial (prevents decay)
Hard parts (teeth, shells and bones last longer)

6. Unaltered Fossils La Brea Tar Pits
Entrapment in tar
Bones well preserved but weathered
and often gnawed!

7. Unaltered Fossils
Iceman found between Italy and Austria in 1991, 5,300 years old
Insect in Amber

8. Trace Fossils
Dinosaur Footprint

9. Mold and Casts - Horn Coral

10. Identification of fossils
Shape
Where Fossils are found
Sedimentary rocks like limestone, dolostone, sandstone and shale

11. Index Fossils Survive as species for a short period of time
Easily recognizable
Widespread
A single index fossil can narrow the age of a formation.

12. Fossil Assemblage Page 70