Ever since life began on earth, the process of fossil formation began. The living creatures, after death, return to earth, where a part of them assimilates into the soil while the rest is preserved for long periods.
These remnants of ancient life are studied to obtain information about the theory of evolution and the earth’s geology. They give us records of long-lost creatures and their adaptation to environmental conditions. Before we study the significance of fossils and their types, let us understand what are fossils and the history of fossils for kids.
What are Fossils and History of Fossils
Fossils are the dead remains of ancient life forms. The dead organisms are withered by the earth’s natural processes such as erosion, decomposition, and pressure conditions. However, certain parts of the dead organisms, such as shells, teeth do not decay easily.
As a result, these parts get buried in the deep layers of the earth and stay preserved for long periods. They may be in the form of rocks, shells, or bones engraved in some naturally developed mould in the soil.
When these areas are mined and studied carefully, these remains appear in the form of deeply buried fossils. These dead remains could trace back as far as 10,000 years old. These fossils are analysed to obtain a significant amount of information about the earth’s ecology of the time, the evolution parameters, and the earth’s environment of that era.
These fossils are found as sedimentary rocks or low-grade metamorphic rocks buried deep within the earth. The deep burial of these fossils preserves them from degradation due to the earth’s external factors. The processes such as petrification, compression, and moulding are some methods that preserve these dead remains.
What Does the Study of Fossils Tell Us?
The study of fossils tells us about the cycle of life. As a branch of geography, the in-depth study of fossils relates them to the history of the earth. They tell us about how life adapted to its surroundings and made its way into the realm of the biosphere.
The data is of significant value to understanding the evolution theory of living beings. Fossils inform us about the continents and their separation and the geological changes during that era.
The study of fossils tells us at what position a specific organism stands in the food chain. Further, it also traces the origins of a particular species and its evolution.
The information about plant and animal kingdom evolution and their position in the food chains, the classification of their types is obtained through the study of fossils. For geologists, fossils are essential tools to find their relative age by age-dating distinct rock types. One of the fossil examples that geologists use for age dating study is Ammonites. Fossil for kids is an interesting subject of study.
Types of Fossils
There are several types of fossils based on their preservation processes, the types of remains, and many finer aspects. These fossils tell us about plant and animal life and their behaviour back then. Discussed below are five fossil types.
#1. Body-based Fossils
The body-based fossils consist of shells and bones of living organisms and leaves of plants. These fossils are not available indirect form, rather they are found in some moulds and casts. Over the years, the dead remains get inscribed in some layers of sediments that preserve them.
Usually, dinosaur fossils are available in this form. For instance, the fossil of pterosaur Pterodactylus Kochi is found preserved in limestone, in the Bavaria region of Germany. Similarly, the mammoths in ice, insects in amber are examples of body-based fossils.
The body fossils are two types, based on the type of moulds they are found in. They are:
#. External moulds
As per the name, the mould is on the external or outer side of the fossil. When we carve out a fossil from a rock, we remove the external mould.
#. Internal mould
In this type, the deposition of sediments or mud on the inner side of the shell or bones results in forming an internal mould over the years.
Body fossils are the most common types of fossils around the world.
#2. Molecular Fossils
These fossils are used for studying the genetic side of organisms. These fossils are also called biosignatures or biomarkers. These types contain the biomolecular and cellular synthesis products inscribed in rocks covered within sediments. At times, these products get changed due to preservation processes. However, these changes are easy to understand. Fossils of these types are known to stay stable for billions of years within the earth.
#3. Trace Fossils
As the name suggests, the trace fossils are imprints left by plants or animals on rocks or moulds. These fossils reveal evolution patterns and are found in mineral forms. Some fossil examples of this type include footprints, nests, or any other markings. These fossils also have a high appeal value. Many such fossil types are turned into jewellery or showpieces.
#4. Carbon Fossils
All living organisms consist of the element carbon. This component is left behind after the body of a living organism degrades. The decomposition process is, in fact, a part of the carbon cycle. Some fossils are available in carbonaceous forms. These fossils are delicate. The soft parts of an organism, such as the leaves of a plant, are left behind in carbon form. An example of this type is the fern fossil. It is over 300 million years old.
#5. Pseudo Fossils
The name Pseudo suggests a false fossil. Millions of years ago, certain fluids, water-like mineral solutions would run over certain plants and animals. Over the years, the shape of plant parts or animals would get engraved in these mineral solutions. They would get buried deep in the soil and hence preserved. The study of these fossils reveals that they are just shapes, neither plants nor animals. Such fossils are called Pseudo Fossils.
Conclusion
The study of fossils is called Paleontology. Ever since life has evolved on earth, the remains of dead organisms buried and preserved over the ages tell us about the environment of those times. It helps to understand the evolutionary cycle and geology differences of earth from present and past. The study of fossils gives an idea of the change in the food chain over the years and its future development. The analysis of these fossils helps in age dating procedures.
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