Let’s Learn: Types of Fossils
What are the different types of fossils?
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Fossils can be found in Earth’s crust. There are six different types of fossils. Click on the tabs below to read and learn about each type of fossil!
This is a mold fossil. Mold fossils form when dirt or sand hardens around an organism. Then, the organism decays, leaving an imprint of its form.
This is a trace fossil. Trace fossils show evidence of the activity of an organism, such as footprints, burrows, and feeding marks.
This is a true form fossil. True form fossils are preserved in the same form as the original organism. You can see structures such as bones, teeth, shells, and hairs.
This is a petrified fossil. In these fossils, the organisms have been replaced over time by minerals. In this picture, the wood has become a stone.
This is a carbon film fossil. Carbon film fossils are preserved in a thin film of carbon. They are often seen in impressions of leaves and feathers.
This is an amber fossil. Amber fossils are preserved in amber, a hardened tree resin, like sap. Amber fossils usually contain insects or other small organisms.