Fossils

What exactly is a fossil?

A fossil is the remains of a plant or animal that has been preserved in rock.

Are fossils the real bones and shells of dead animals??

No, almost never. Usually, over a long period of time, the plant or animal absorbs minerals from the rock around it and this makes it turn hard and preserves it.

So, are fossils rocks that are moulded like bones?

Actually, a fossil can be a footprint, animal dung, a piece of plant, or animal bone – all kinds of things.

Are there fossils in the earth of all of the animals that ever

lived?It is very rare for things to get fossilised because they have to be in the right place at the right time and be totally and quickly buried under materials like sand, ice or volcanic material.

What happens to the skin or other soft parts of the animal or

plant?Usually only the hardest part of the living thing remains, like the shell or a bone. But sometimes the whole creature or skeleton is preserved.

How old are fossils?

Some of the oldest fossils ever found are 4.5 BILLION years old!

Where would you find the oldest fossils?

Usually, the deeper you dig, the older the fossil, but not always. Sometimes rivers, rain and wind erode the earth, and a really old fossil will be found on top.