Science 101: What is a fossil?

by: Mark A. Norell

A fossil is a preserved trace of an organism or event. There are many types of fossils. Usually these are preserved in sedimentary rocks—like sandstone, limestone, and shale—laid down on the surface of the planet or under its oceans. A paleontologist provides the basic facts about fossils.

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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 2/1/2003Stock # sc03_040_05_20Volume 040Issue 05

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