Fossils
Year 8
Have you ever
seen a fossil?
What is a fossil?
● Any preserved impression, trace, or remains of a once-living organism from a
far-off past is called a fossil. There are many different types of fossils, such as
teeth, bones, shells, leaf imprints, footprints, and even excrement.
● Palaeontology, which means "ancient (paleo-) being (onto-) study (-logy)" in
Greek, is the study of fossils. Palaeontologists are scientists who research
fossils.
● Geologists are especially interested in fossils because they can be used to
establish the age of a particular rock in relation to other rocks or to pinpoint
the formation environment of a certain rock.
What can fossils tell us about earth's history?
● Scientists can solve the puzzles of Earth's geological and biological history by
using fossils as a window into the planet's distant past.
● They offer vital information about extinct living forms and their habitats,
assisting scientists with their understanding of evolution, the history of life on
Earth, and geological processes.
● Since the remains have been buried and calcified for millions of years,
sedimentary rock layers are usually where fossils can be found.
Types of fossils
There are several types of fossils, each preserving different aspects of ancient life. Some common
types are:
Body Fossils Trace Fossils Molds and Casts
Body Fossils
The real remains of organisms, including soft tissues, teeth, shells, and bones, are preserved in
these fossils. Extensive knowledge regarding the morphology, anatomy, and biology of extinct
species can be obtained from body fossils.
Trace Fossils
Trace fossils are not the actual remains of extinct species, but rather proof of their activities. These
consist of footprints, burrows, nests, coprolites (fossilised excrement), tracks, and nests. Trace
fossils shed light on the ecology, behaviour, and mode of mobility of extinct creatures.
Mould and Cast Fossils
Moulds can develop when an organism decomposes and leaves an imprint in sediment. A cast is
created if the mould is filled with minerals and hardened. Even in cases when the original material
has disintegrated or degraded, moulds and casts can retain the form and surface characteristics of
organisms.
Preserved Remains Fossils
The term "unaltered fossil preservation" describes the retention of the original organic materials. In
order to preserve a thing, such an insect, natural tree resin must solidify around it. This process is
called ambering. Ice also preserves plants and animals remarkably well; this is demonstrated by
the woolly mammoth found in Siberian glaciers.
Index fossils
Index fossils are the remains of species that
were common, numerous, and lived for a brief
period of time in the geological past. Because
they may be used to ascertain the relative ages
of the rocks in which they are found, these
fossils are helpful for dating and correlating
geological layers. Index fossils are usually
easily identifiable species with a broad
geographic distribution, a relatively short life
span, and a distinctive appearance.
How do fossils form?
● The process of fossilisation, which includes organic material deterioration, quick burial,
and death, creates fossils. When minerals take the place of tissues, structures are
preserved and permineralization occurs. Fossil formation is also aided by freezing and
compression. When remains deteriorate and leave behind mineral-filled voids that
result in fossils, impressions or moulds may emerge.
● Watch this quick video on how fossils form!
[Link]
Activity time!
● Get into three different groups
● Rotate every 5 minutes to each station
● Note any observation you make on your observation sheets!!
What have we learnt?
What is a fossil?
● Fossils are preserved remains or traces of once-living organisms.
What types of fossils are there?
● They include body fossils like bones and shells, trace fossils such as footprints, and
preserved remains fossils.
What do fossils tell us about earth's history?
● Fossils provide insights into Earth's history by revealing evolutionary patterns, ancient
environments, extinction events, and geological processes. They help us understand
how life has changed over time, the diversity of past ecosystems, and the impacts of
environmental changes on living organisms.
What was your favourite part of the lesson? Will you
become a paleontologist?
Reference list
Western Australian Government. (n.d.). What is a Fossil? Department of Energy, Mines,
Industry Regulations and Safety. Western Australian Government. Retrieved From:
[Link]
Esperante, R. (2019). What Do Fossils Tell Us? GeoScience Research Institute. Retrieved
from: [Link]
Oklahoma’s Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). Different kinds of fossils. Sam Noble
Museum. Retrieved from:
[Link]
ent-kinds-of-fossils/
Fuse School. (2018, october 3). How Do Fossils Form | Evolution | Biology [Video]. Youtube.
Retrived from: ttps://[Link]/watch?v=ID7qhn1ipmw
