Understanding What a Fossil Is
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. Fossils can include bones, shells, footprints, or even impressions left in rock.
How Fossils Form
Most fossils form when an organism is buried quickly by sediment. Over time, minerals replace the original material or fill the empty spaces, creating a rock-like replica.
Types of Fossils
There are body fossils, such as bones and teeth, and trace fossils, like footprints, burrows, or imprints. Both types reveal how ancient organisms lived.
Where Fossils Are Found
Fossils are discovered in sedimentary rock layers. These rocks form from accumulated sediments, which protect and preserve remains for millions of years.
Why Fossils Matter
Fossils help scientists understand evolution, past environments, and the history of life on Earth. They reveal how species changed and how ecosystems formed.
How Fossils Are Studied
Paleontologists examine fossils to identify species, determine their age, and learn how they lived. Tools like carbon dating and rock analysis help uncover details.
The Simple Takeaway
A fossil is a preserved piece of ancient life. It offers a direct window into Earth’s past and teaches us how living things have changed over time.