Fossils

This passage describes different types of fossils and how they are formed.

Lexile Level: 510L

Categories: Science & Technology Animals & Nature

Fossils are the remains of animals and plants. These animals and plants lived on Earth many years ago. Fossils are found in rocks, coal, tar, and ice. Water and mud help form fossils. They form a seal around the ancient animals. Only the hard parts of animals become fossils. The most common types are bones and teeth. Some fossils show footprints. There are even fossils of leaves and nests. Scientists use fossils to learn about dinosaurs. Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. Fossils can tell us what animals looked like. But fossils do not tell us everything. They do not tell us how animals acted or sounded. Fossils are very rare. Scientists have to dig to find fossils. They are always looking for new clues to Earth's history. Dinosaur fossils have been found around the world.