2. 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.
3. 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.
4. KINDS OF FOSSILS Body 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.
5. DINOSAUR FOSSILS Dinosaurs made the largest fossils on Earth. They lived two hundred thirty million years ago. Paleontologists study these fossils.
6. FOSSIL FUELS Coal, oil and natural gas are fossil fuels. They form over a very long time. Then people use up the fossil fuels.
7. GLOSSARY Coal – a black mineral formed from the remains of ancient plants Imprint – 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.
