Fossils

Paleontologist extracting a fossilHow do paleontologists know how organisms lived in ancient times?  They rely on scientific evidence that has been carefully collected from years of studying fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains of living organisms in rock. Fossils give scientists insight into the ecosystems of Earth’s past and tells the story of how the Earth’s surface has changed over time. Fossils can exist in many forms other than skeletal remains. In this topic, you will investigate the many types of fossils and how each formed.

Essential Questions

  • What is a fossil, and how do they form?
  • What is learned from the study of fossils?