Fossils are the remains or impressions of ancient plants and animals that have turned to stone over time. They form when a dead organism is buried and the sediments around it harden and mineralize the remains. There are different types of fossils including body fossils like bones and teeth, imprint fossils that hold the shape of the organism, and trace fossils like footprints. Paleontologists study dinosaur fossils and fossils fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas which are formed from the remains of ancient organisms over long periods of time.

1. FOSSILS PARKER S

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.