Fossils By Maryah Thompson

What is a fossil? A fossil is the remains of a plant or animal that lived long ago.

How is a fish fossil formed? First, the fish must die. Then it sinks slowly to the bottom of the sea. The skin and soft parts rot away. After that, just the hard parts are left.

Next, thousands of years go by. Many layers of mud pile on the fish Next, thousands of years go by. Many layers of mud pile on the fish. The sea has to dry up. The earth changes a lot. The pressure of the layers cause the mud and bones to harden.

Mean while, water seeps through the layers of mud Mean while, water seeps through the layers of mud. The minerals stay in the bones but water still seeps through the pores in the bones. Minerals help it turn to stone.

Finally, the fish turned to stone. Its ready to put on display Finally, the fish turned to stone. Its ready to put on display. You guessed it, now it is a fossil!