Fossils
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of dead organisms. They show us how living things and the environment have changed since the time they were alive. Fossils have been found in rocks of all ages, going back billions of years. However, most of the species found in the fossil record have died out or become extinctAn organism that is no longer in existence..
What is the fossil record?
Fossils can be found in surprising places and they can tell us about the past. We call all of the fossils we have found the fossil record. This record shows us how living things have changed from simple life forms billions of years ago. Not all fossils have been found and some may have been destroyed so there are gaps in the fossil record.
Watch: Looking at the fossil record
How fossils are formed
Only organisms that die in specific conditions will go on to become a fossil. In fact, the fossilisation process is incredibly rare as you will find out in this video.
Watch: Explaining fossilisation
Stages of fossilisation
Fossils are made in lots of different ways. Here are some of the common steps:
1 of 6
Activity 1: Order fossilisation
Activity 2: Fossil record quiz
Play our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica. gamePlay our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica
Use your times tables and more maths skills to defeat monsters and reclaim the Kingdom of Mathematica
More on Evolution and inheritance
Find out more by working through a topic
- count2 of 4
- count3 of 4
- count4 of 4