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What is a fossil?

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a deceased organism. Fossils are created through a multi-stage process called fossilization, which occurs over a very long period.
Fossils | Year 3 Science

The conditions for fossilisation

  • It’s very rare for living organisms to become fossilized. After most animals die, their bodies usually decompose completely, leaving nothing behind.
  • However, under certain special conditions, a fossil can form.
  • After an animal dies, the soft parts of its body decompose, leaving behind the hard parts like the skeleton. These become buried by small particles of rock called sediment.
  • As more layers of sediment accumulate on top, the sediment around the skeleton begins to compact and turn to rock.
  • The bones then start to dissolve as water passes through the rock. Minerals in the water replace the bone, leaving a rock replica of the original bone called a fossil.

Fossils | Year 3 Science

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What is the process through which fossils are formed?
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FAQs on Fossils - Year 3 Science

1. How are fossils formed?
Ans. Fossils are formed through a process called fossilization, where the remains of plants or animals are gradually replaced by minerals. This process usually occurs when an organism is buried quickly after it dies, preventing decomposition.
2. What conditions are necessary for the formation of fossils?
Ans. The formation of fossils requires specific conditions such as rapid burial, lack of oxygen, and the presence of minerals in the surrounding sediment. These conditions help preserve the organism's remains and promote fossilization.
3. What are the different types of fossils that can be formed?
Ans. There are several types of fossils that can be formed, including petrified fossils, molds and casts, carbon films, trace fossils, and preserved remains like bones or teeth. Each type of fossil provides valuable information about the past.
4. How do scientists use fossils to learn about the past?
Ans. Scientists use fossils to study the history of life on Earth, understand evolutionary relationships between species, and reconstruct ancient environments. By analyzing fossils, researchers can piece together the puzzle of Earth's biological past.
5. Where can fossils be found in the UK?
Ans. Fossils can be found in various locations across the UK, including coastal cliffs, quarries, and mines. Popular fossil hunting sites in the UK include the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Yorkshire's coastal cliffs, and the Isle of Wight.
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