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Vertebrate History in Rocks (What are Fossils (Fossils are typically found…
Vertebrate History in Rocks
What are Fossils
A fossil is the hardened remains or other evidence of a living thing that existed a long time ago.
Imprint in rock or remains of bones
Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rock
Hardened layers of sediments make up this rock
An example of how layers form is: Wind can blow a thick layer of sand onto dunes. It then builds up over time
They can also form when muddy water stands in an area for a long time
Interpretation of Fossils
A fossils age
One method takes advantage of the process in which sediments form
Scientists can tell how decayed elements are, which can hint to how old a fossil is
Fossils in higher layers of rock are often younger than fossils in lower layers
This is not the best method because can move and tilt over time
Paleontologists the scientists who study extinct organisms, examine fossil structure and make comparisons to present day organisms
Using fossils
Paleontologists have used fossils to determine a pattern of how vertebrates change over time.
Fossils show the first vertebrates to live on earth was fishes
The amphibians, reptiles, and later mammals and birds.
By studying fossils, paleontologists can infer how animals changed over time.