1. Where do we find fossils? Why are fossils important?
What is a fossil?
Naturally preserved remains or traces of ancient life that lived in the geologic past.
Body Fossils – the actual animal
Trace Fossils – indirect evidence of an animal
Who looks at fossils?
A special type of scientist called a paleontologist studies fossils.
Where do we find fossils?
Most fossils are found in sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks formed when layers of sediment hardened over millions of years.
Why are fossils important?
Fossils help paleontologists determine the age of the layered rocks.
They tell what happened in Earth’s history and when it happened.
They show rocks that are the same age.

2. The Geologic Time Scale
What Layer is the oldest?
Layer 1, 2, or 3
Layer 3
Layer 2
Layer 1

3. What the fossils looked like when they were ALIVE!!!!
Megalodon 28 to 1.5 million years ago
Petrified Wood 28 to 1.5 million years ago
Ammonite to 66 million years ago
Orthoceras to 200 million years ago
Coral Reef 488 to 270 million years ago
Trilobite 540 to 270 million years ago