Fossils

By: Mr. Rankin and Ms. Fliszar

Fossils
What is a FOSSIL?
A fossil is the persevered remains or imprint of remains from a once-
living organism.
There are 2 Types of fossils
Whole Body- Whole body fossils are fossils where the bone has
been replaced by minerals or sedimentary materials
Imprints- Imprints are fossils that no longer have any material where
the original organic material used to be.

Fossilization process
How does a bone transform into a fossil?
Where ever the bone is trapped it will quickly be mixed with
minerals and or other rocks.
The bone will decompose but the minerals and rock sediment will
replace the organic material inside the bone.
Imprint Fossils
Molds- A fossil where the organic material was exposed and
decomposed so only a mold of the fossil is left.
A Mold will be found inside of sedimentary rocks and can be
found if the rock is broken open.
Trace Fossils- Fossils that are made of plants or an any non-
living remain of an animal.
Trace Fossils will include findings like footprints, trails or burrows.

Fossil Mold
Imprint Activity
Explain what will go in the science notebook or the activity.
Whole Body Fossils
Casts- A fossil that decomposed but left its shape in a rock
after being replaced by minerals and sedimentary material.
A Cast is normally found with a mold because the rock that held
the organism will break after the organism decomposes.
Whole Body- A rare fossil where the entire organism or its
skeleton is preserved by amber or another material.
Whole Body fossils will be found in Amber, which is hardened
resin made of old and dried tree sap.

Fossil Inquiry
Explain what will be put in the science notebook for the
inquiry.