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The formation of fossils

The formation of fossils

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Summary

The formation of fossils

​​In a nutshell

Fossils are the remains of living things that are preserved in rocks. Fossils provide evidence for how the Earth and living things have changed over time.


 

Fossilisation

Definition

Fossilisation is the process of how fossils are formed. They are most commonly found in sedimentary rock, because they are compressed by layers of sand and mud.   


1.
A plant or animal dies.
2.
The remains sink to the ground. They are covered by layers of sand and mud, over a long period of time.
3.
The sand and mud become compressed as more layers cover the remains. This makes a layer of rock form.
4.
The hard parts of the plant or animal, such as roots and bones, leave a print in the layer of rock.



What do fossils look like?

Fossils usually look like pieces of rock and can come in many shapes and sizes. Below are two drawings of what fossilised animals and plants look like. 

Science; Rocks; KS2 Year 3; The formation of fossils
This is a fossil of a plant. Notice the veins and midrib (the thick part that runs through the centre of a lead) are visible as they formed an impression in the rock.
Science; Rocks; KS2 Year 3; The formation of fossils
This is a fossil of an animal known as an ammonite. Ammonites became extinct about 66 million years ago66\ million\ years\ ago 66 million years ago and had spiral shaped shells. The shells are what become fossilised.
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Human evolution and what fossils can tell us

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Human evolution and what fossils can tell us

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The formation of fossils

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The formation of fossils

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fossil?

Fossils are the remains of living things that are preserved in rocks.

What parts of a living thing form a fossil?

The hard parts, such as bone in animals and roots in plants, are preserved as a fossil.

What is the process of forming a fossil called?

The process of forming a fossil is called fossilisation.

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