What Are Fossils?
What is a fossil?
Remains or traces of ancient life preserved in rock
How do most fossils form?
From remains buried in sediment that hardens into rock over time
Name a common fossil found in Texas.
Ammonites
What can fossils tell us about past environments?
They show what plants and animals lived in that area
What is the study of fossils called?
Paleontology
Are dinosaur bones the only type of fossils?
No, fossils can also be plants, footprints, or even poop (coprolites)
What needs to happen for an organism to become a fossil?
It must be buried quickly to prevent decay
What type of fossil is commonly found in the Glen Rose Formation in Texas?
Dinosaur tracks
How can fossils help scientists understand climate changes?
They indicate the types of plants and animals that thrived in different climates
Can you find a fossil anywhere?
No, they are more likely to be found in sedimentary rock layers
What's an example of a trace fossil?
Footprints, burrows, or eggshells
Besides hardening sediment, what's another way fossils can form?
Through petrification, where organic material is replaced with minerals
What sea creature’s fossilized shells are widespread in Texas?
Gastropods
How do fossils show evidence of animal behavior?
Trackways can show movement, feeding, and even social behavior
Name a tool paleontologists use to uncover fossils.
Brushes, chisels, or picks
What is the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil?
Body fossils are actual parts of the organism; trace fossils are signs of their activity
Is freezing a common way for fossils to form?
No, it's rare because cold areas often don’t have the sediment layers needed for fossilization
What kind of environment is indicated by the abundance of marine fossils in Texas?
An ancient sea or ocean
What does the presence of tree fossils tell us?
That the area was once forested
What's an unusual but true fact about some dinosaur fossils?
Some dinosaurs had feathers
Why are fossilized plants rarer than animals?
Plants decompose more quickly and completely
What is amber, and how does it relate to fossils?
Amber is fossilized tree resin that can contain preserved organisms
Identify a fossil that might indicate Texas had tropical climates in the past.
Palm leaves
How might the discovery of a new fossil change our view of history?
It can introduce a new species or show connections between continents
What's a significant human-related fossil found in Texas?
Footprints at the Paluxy River site, possibly indicating early human activity