Fossils
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 8.1.7
Fossils
The evidence for evolution can be seen in fossils.
Prehistoric remains
- Fossils are the remains of prehistoric plants or animals.
- The remains of prehistoric plants or animals are embedded and preserved in rocks or minerals.
Paleontology
- Palaeontology is the scientific study of fossils.
- Mary Anning was an English palaeontologist who discovered many fossils from a period in time called the Jurassic period.
Fossils and evolution
- It is possible to use fossils to observe how an organism has evolved over millions of years.
- You can see how an organism has changed by analysing similar fossils from different periods.
- It is possible to age fossils using special scientific techniques.
Test yourself on Fossils
Which science studies fossils?
Mary Anning discovered many fossils from which time period?
Where can fossils be found?
What is correct about fossils?