The Science of Fossil Formation

Welcome to the World of Fossils!

Fossils are the preserved remnants or impressions of ancient organisms that have been encased in Earth’s crust for millions of years. The study of these fascinating relics offers profound insights into the evolutionary history of life on our planet.

Formation Process

1. Organism dies and finds a swift burial under sediment.
2. Over time, layers build up causing pressure and facilitating mineralization.
3. Minerals replace organic materials forming a rocky replica of the original organism.
4. Naturally occurring shifts in the Earth uncover these treasures for us to find!

Did You Know?

• Frogs have been around for over 200 million years, coexisting with dinosaurs!
• The oldest known 'true' fossil is over 3.5 billion years old!
• Fossilized amber can preserve entire ecosystems, frozen in time.