Fossils and the rock cycle
I can describe the formation of fossils and how the rock cycle affects our fossil record.
Fossils and the rock cycle
I can describe the formation of fossils and how the rock cycle affects our fossil record.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Fossils are found in sedimentary rock, but not in other types of rock.
- Fossils are often the remains of living plants or animals.
- Bones buried in sedimentary rock can be very, very slowly dissolved by water and replaced by minerals in the water.
- Geological activities can break or completely destroy fossils.
Common misconception
Pupils often interpret the rock cycle as the cause of rock formation.
Stress the rock cycle is a representation of relationships between the rock types. For rocks to change from one type to another requires specific conditions (i.e. igneous rock can change into metamorphic or melted into a different igenous rock).
Keywords
Fossil - The mineralised remains or impression of once–living organisms, or of traces left behind by organisms (e.g. skeletons, shells or impressions).
Mineral - An element or compound with a crystal–like structure. They are the 'building blocks' of rocks.
Sediment - A material deposited by water, wind or ice, such as pebbles or sand.
Sedimentary rock - A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments (rock fragments, minerals and remains of dead plants and animals).
Rock cycle - The gradual recycling of rocks over millions of years.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a natural, crystal-like structure
material deposited by water, wind, or ice
the mineralised remains or impression of once–living organisms
the process by which rocks are worn away and transported
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The mineralised remains or impressions of once-living organisms.
An element or compound with a crystal-like structure.
A material deposited by water, wind, or ice.
A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments.
The gradual recycling of rocks over millions of years.