FOSSILS

PARKER S

WHAT ARE THEY?Fossils are the remains of plants and animals.Fossils look like rocks that have a picture in

them. The dead plant or animal becomes part of

a rock.

HOW FOSSILS FORM Fossils usually form when a dead plant

or animal lies buried in sand or mud.

Over time the sand or mud and dead remains harden.

The dead remains turn into rock.

KINDS OF FOSSILSBody fossils are bones, teeth and eggs.Imprint fossils hold the dead plant or animal.A trace fossil is an animal’s paw print left

behind.

DINOSAUR FOSSILSDinosaurs made the largest fossils on Earth.They lived two hundred thirty million years

ago.Paleontologists study these fossils.

FOSSIL FUELSCoal, oil and natural gas are fossil fuels.They form over a very long time.Then people use up the fossil fuels.

GLOSSARYCoal – a black mineral formed from the remains

of ancient plantsImprint – a mark made by pressing or stamping

something on a surface.Natural gas – a methane gas that is found

beneath the Earth’s surface.Oil – a thick, greasy liquid that burns easily and

does not mix with water.Paleontologist – a scientist who studies fossils

and bones of dinosaurs.