THE STORY OF THE SEA If you've been to the beach you know that the sea is full of life such as fish crabs and dolphins But did you know that even land animals can be traced back to fish The story of all living creatures begins in the water Scientists study fossils to learn about the history of sea life Fossils are the remains of plants or animals that died long ago They can tell us about sea creatures that lived millions of years ago Fossils help us understand how life on Earth has changed over time Explore More ALMOST THREE QUARTERS OF EARTH IS COVERED IN WATER 4
THIS FOSSIL WAS LEFT BY AN ANCIENT SEA CREATURE CALLED ICHTHYOSAURUS THESE FISH FOSSILS CAME FROM AN ANCIENT LAKE IN WHAT IS NOW WYOMING THEY ARE ABOUT 48 TO 53 MILLION YEARS OLD 5
FROM SAND TO STONE Fossils are not common Most living things wear away after they die In order for a fossil to form an animal or plant first must be buried in sediment This is bits of matter like stone or sand found on the bottom of oceans rivers and lakes This is why many fossils are found near bodies of water 1 2 6 SEVERAL STEPS MUST HAPPEN IN ORDER TO FORM A FOSSIL A DEAD ANIMAL IS COVERED IN SEDIMENT WHICH PRESSES DOWN ON THE REMAINS
Over time the sediment is pressed down and turns into rock This protects the animal or plant matter The soft parts often break down but hard parts like bones remain Explore More FOSSILS OF SEA CREATURES HAVE BEEN FOUND HIGH IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS MEANS THAT LONG AGO THAT AREA WAS UNDERWATER 3 4 THE ANIMALS REMAINS TURN TO ROCK OVER THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS OF YEARS AND BECOME A FOSSIL 7
