World of Fossils

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Paleontology is the study of fossils usually done to gain a better understanding of prehistoric animals and flora. Fossils are the preserved remains or impressions of died animals and plants that in most cases, were buried under some kind of substrate that has protected this remains over time. The word “fossil” comes from the Latin word “fossus”, meaning “having been dug up”. Paleontologists spend a great deal of time digging up fossils. Once the fossil has been dug up it is usually sent back to the paleontologist’s laboratory, usually at a museum or university. Paleontologists also spend a great deal of time preparing the fossil and then studying it, often comparing it with other specimens of similar fossils. It is through these studies that the paleontologist is able to find trends and patterns that allow the paleontologist to make conclusions about extinct animals and plants.