5.1.2 Fossils

Fossils

5.1.2

Objectives

Learners can:

• describe different types of fossils and their uses in understanding the past

• analyze and interpret evidence from fossils to make inferences about past life forms and ecosystems

Vocabulary

Prerequisite Vocabulary

• fossil

• sedimentary rock

Categorize

Options (2)

remains of a plant or animal preserved in Earth's crust

a type of rock formed by gravity pressing fragments of other rocks and minerals together

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

Sedimentary Rock

Fossil

What is a Fossil?

A fossil is the remains of a plant or animal preserved in Earth's crust. There are various types of fossils, including bones, shells, teeth, and impressions of soft tissues. Fossils are generally found in sedimentary rock layers, especially in areas once on the ocean floor or at the bottom of lakes or ponds.

Open Ended

Take a few minutes to observe the fossils in your Fossil Study Kit. If you don't have access to your fossil kit right now, you can reference the picture. After examining the fossils, what are 2 observations you have about your fossil kit?

Georges Cuvier was a scientist who helped start the study of fossils. He came up with the idea that some animals went extinct or disappeared forever. Later on, Charles Darwin also studied fossils and came up with the theory of evolution, which helped scientists understand how living things change over time.

​

History of Fossil Study

Scientists use different methods to study fossils, such as going out into nature to find them, known as fieldwork, or looking at them under a microscope in a lab. They can also use a unique technique called radiometric dating to determine the fossil's age.

​

Methods of Studying Fossils

Scientists use special computer programs to create detailed pictures of fossils that look real. These models allow them to explore the fossils without harming the actual specimens. Scientists can also use these programs to create virtual models of how the ancient animals moved and behaved.

​

Old Meets New

Dinosaur References - A 3D model collection by BDJ (@brentjenkins) - Sketchfab

You can open this webpage in a new tab.

Copy link

Open in new tab

Why are Fossils Important?

Fossils are used to study the planet's geological history, providing evidence of past environmental conditions, such as climate, sea level, and geological events.

Geology

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from ancient plants and animals buried and preserved over millions of years.

Energy

​Fossils are used in various industrial applications, such as cement, ceramics, and cosmetics. For example, diatomaceous earth (a sedimentary rock composed of fossilized diatoms) is used in toothpaste.

Industry

Fossil Preservation

Scientists take several measures to protect and preserve fossils to ensure that they remain intact and available for future research.

When excavating fossils from their original locations, scientists use specialized tools and techniques to remove the fossils without damaging them.​

Using Special Tools

Scientists study fossils in laboratories where they can be stored in controlled environments to prevent decay and damage.

Laboratories

Scientists carefully document the location, condition, and context of each fossil they find. This information helps them understand the fossil's significance and how it fits into Earth's history.

X Marks the Spot

Scientists may create replicas of fossils for observation, study, and display in museums to reduce the risk of potential damage to rare fossils.

Making Models

Multiple Choice

How do these fossils contribute to our understanding of Earth's history?

• Fossils help us learn about how the Earth's surface and environment changed

• 
  Fossils show us how living things changed over time

• Fossils tell us the age of rocks and important events in Earth's history

• All of the above