Fossils
Science: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 3.1.2
Fossils
Fossils are traces of ancient plants and animals that can be found in rock.
Forming fossils
- Fossils are formed over a long time.
- Fossils were formed when animal bodies or pieces of plants turned to rock or were replaced by rock.
How fossils are made
- The plant or animal dies.
- The body of the dead plant or animal is covered with sediment.
- The soft part of the body decomposes.
- The shell or bones of the animal are left behind.
How fossils are made 2
- The body is washed away over time.
- This leaves the shape of the plant or animal as a hole inside the rock.
- Different rock fills the hole and is in the shape of the plant or animal.
Where to find fossils
- We usually have to dig to find fossils because they are buried in the rock.
- Sometimes fossils are exposed (we can see them) by cliff falls and on the beach where water has eroded the rock.
Test yourself on Fossils
How long do fossils take to form?