|
|
|
Dinosaur Fossils
Scientists know a lot about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures
because they have found fossils.
On this page, you can find more information about fossils:
Fossils are preserved remains or traces of animals, plants and other
organisms. They are generally found in rocks.
Most fossils are found in sedimentary rocks that form from the deposits
of sand and mud.
When an animal or plant dies, its body can get buried into
sand or mud. Then, over ages (millions of years), the sand or mud gets
compacted, and eventually turns to rock. Minerals can also leach into
the animal's body, helping to preserve it.
Similarly, just as animals' bodies and plants can be preserved by this
process of fossilization, so too can animals' nests, burrows,
footprints,
dung, etc.
Of course, most animals and plants
that die are not preserved in this way. Likewise most nests, burrows, footprints,
dung, etc., are also not preserved.
It is far more likely that they are destroyed - for example, bodies
can be eaten by scavengers or rot away, footprints can be washed away, and
so forth. It is only rarely, when all the circumstances happen to be just right,
that a fossil is formed.
There are two kinds of fossils:
- Fossilized Body Parts
These are fossils formed from parts of an animal
such as:
- Teeth
- Bones
- Claws
- Skin, scales, feathers, etc.
- Soft tissues
Since skin and soft tissues usually decay before being fossilized,
the most common parts of animals to be preserved in this way are the
toughest parts of the animal, especially teeth, and to a lesser extent bones.
- Trace Fossils
Trace fossils (which technically known as "ichnofossils")
are fossils
which show the living activities
of animals.
Such fossils can include (for example):
- Footprints
- Nests
- Burrows,
- Toothmarks,
- Dung (known as "coprolites"),
- Gizzard stones (the stones which some animals
swallowed to help digest their food)
From time to time, fossils in the ground are revealed by erosion - the wind
or rain erodes rock, revealing fossils contained within. It is therefore
likely than mankind has encountered fossils, including dinosaur fossils
since ancient, perhaps even prehistoric times.
- Some people think that dinosaur fossils found in this way, may perhaps
have inspired legends of dragons.
- One scholar (Adrienne Mayor of Stanford) has suggested that the legend
of the griffin (a mythical beast which supposedly had the head and wings
of an eagle, but the limbs and body of a lion), could have been inspired by
fossils of Protoceratops.
Greek drinking horn (rhyton) in the shape of a griffin, c.350 BCE:
The first modern scientific description of a dinosaur fossil was written
by
William Buckland.
Buckland wrote a paper in 1824 that was entitled: "Notice on the Megalosaurus or Great
Fossil Lizard of Stonesfield".
Since then, many other
scientists
have contributed to finding, researching,
dinosaur fossils.
Many scientists
(and quite a few amateur fossil-hunters too) have found fossils of
dinosaurs and
other prehistoric animals.
Fossils being cleaned and prepared at the Royal Tyrell Museum:
Some of the most famous fossil hunters include:
- William Buckland
(1784-1856)
who wrote the first scientific description of a dinosaur.
- Mary Anning
(1799-1847)
was a
fossil hunter who lived in Lyme Regis,
England.
Anning was responsible for the discovery of the fossilized s
skeleton of an
Ichthyosaur (the skeleton is now in
London's
Natural History Museum)
in 1811,
as well as
a Plesiosaur in 1821,
and a Pterodactyl in 1828.
- Edward D. Cope
(1840-1897) was an American paleontologist who
discovered over a thousand species of extinct vertebrates.
His exploration and research took place principally in
Texas
and
Wyoming.
- Lawrence Lambe
(1849 to 1934)
was one of Canada's
greatest paleontologists. He discovered and named many
types of dinosaurs,
and also studied other prehistoric animals.
- Othniel C. Marsh
(1831-1899) was a professor of paleontology at Yale.
He discovered the first
American
Pterodactyl fossils, and was first to scientifically
describe many different dinosaurs,
including
Apatosaurus
and
Allosaurus.
- Henry Fairfield Osborn
(1857-1935)
was an American paleontologist who was the
president of the
American Museum of Natural History, and also a professor
at Columbia University,
Osborn described and named
Tyrannosaurus Rex
in
1905,
the first fossils of the animal have been discovered by
Barnum Brown in
1902.
Osborn also did important theoretical work, and proposed
the theory of Adaptive
Radiation, in which animals and plants evolve into several species
by spreading and adapting to new areas and ecological niches.
- Barnum Brown (1879-1968)
was perhaps the greatest dinosaur hunter of the
20th century -
many people remarked on his uncanny ability to sniff out
dinosaur fossils. Brown began by
working as an assistant to
Henry Fairfield Osborn
in 1897, and during this career
discovered numerous species of dinosaurs and other animals.
His most famous discovery was the first
Tyrannosaurus Rex
ever found, in
1902
in Montana.
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Books about Fossils
Here are some books from Amazon.com:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
HAVAGDTM
Toy (0 pages)
 | List Price: $15.99*
Lowest New Price: $13.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 04:20 Pacific 1 Dec 2023 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
HAVAGDTM 110PCS Dinosaur Fossil Skeleton Dinosaur Skeleton Toys Assorted Figures Dino Bones for Birthday Party Science Play Dino Sand Dig Party Favor Decorations 2.5Inch- Manufacturer: HAVAGDTM
- Brand: HAVAGDTM
- Model: G400
- UPC: 720168952095
- EAN: 0720168952095
- PartNumber: HAVA-KFH
Details:- Product Category: Toy
- Number of Pages: 0
Physical Description:- Size: 0.98 inches by 2.56 inches by 1.5 inches
Features:- SIZE: Approx.1.5-3.6inch with a collection of 8 different styles of dinosaurs.Random packing, quantity of each style is not fixed.
- PACKAGE: You will get 110pcs Dinosaur Fossil Skeletons.Due to different batches, the color will be slightly different.
- MATERIAL : Made of high-quality plastic materials,Each dinosaur can stand independently and can withstand rough play and long-term use.
- BEST GIFT:They are great gifts for friends or your students, they will have fun on the beach and learn more about dinosaurs. can you imagine how happy they will be when you give these to them?
- OTHER USE: They are also good for cake decorations,birthday party favors,school class prizes,dinosaur sand digging parties and others.
Click here for more information |
|
By Kate Waters
Grosset & Dunlap
Released: March 1st, 2016
Tan Paperback (32 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $5.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 04:20 Pacific 1 Dec 2023 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Curious About Fossils (Smithsonian)- Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
- Brand: Grosset & Dunlap
- ISBN: 0448490196
- EAN: 9780448490199
- PartNumber: Illustrated
Details:- Paperback
- Edition: Illustrated
- Number of Pages: 32
- Author: Kate Waters
- Publication Date: March 1st, 2016
- Release Date: March 1st, 2016
Physical Description:- Size: 8.0 inches by 8.0 inches by 0.12 inches
- Weight: 0.23809924296 pounds
- Color: Tan
Click here for more information |
|
Xylolin
Unknown Binding (0 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $32.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 04:20 Pacific 1 Dec 2023 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Dinosaur Excavation Archaeology Dig Kit for Kids, Fossil Explore Sensory Bin Toys, Dino Skeletons Bones Puzzle Game with Wooden Storage Box Science STEM Toys- Manufacturer: Twood
- Brand: Xylolin
- Model: 2004
- UPC: 665268732904
- EAN: 0665268732904
- PartNumber: 2004
Details:- Product Category: Unknown Binding
- Number of Pages: 0
Physical Description:- Size: 2.56 inches by 12.2 inches by 8.86 inches
Features:- ?Dinosaur Archaeological Dig Kit? The Stegosaurus sensory bin toy includes a bag of cassia as sensory materials, 18 skeleton bones puzzle pieces, a paint brush and a scoop as sensory tools, a wooden storage box with cover, and a cloth storage bag.
- ?Fossil Explore Sensory Play? Our dinosaur dig game is perfect to keep your little dinosaur lover entertained for hours. Simply bury the dinosaur skeleton bones in the sensory materials and let kids use scoop to dig them up, and use paint brush to uncover the delicate bones. Then collect all the skeleton pieces, and put them together, finish the dinosaur fossil puzzle.
- ?Skills and STEM Development? Kids will love to dig and explore in this dinosaur fossils sensory bin. It’s great for fine motor practise as well as science learning, children can learn how archaeologist uncover their finds. It also helps to promote sensory development.
- ?Quality Wood Material and Safe Toys? Our unique dinosaur archaeology dig kit are made from locally sourced wood, it is crafted with smooth corners and edges for your child safety. The sensory materials are made of cassia instead of sand, cleaner, easier and reusable for your kids to play again and again.
- ?Gifts for Boys and Girls Age 3+? Every child will love this dinosaur dig sensory bin. It is super easy to set up but tons of fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Introduce your child to the exciting world of archeology.Â
Click here for more information |
|
By Patricia Daniels
National Geographic Kids
Released: February 11th, 2020
Multicolor Hardcover (112 pages)
 | List Price: $14.99*
Lowest New Price: $11.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 04:20 Pacific 1 Dec 2023 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
1,000 Facts About Dinosaurs, Fossils, and Prehistoric Life- Manufacturer: National Geographic Kids
- Brand: National Geographic Kids
- ISBN: 1426336675
- EAN: 9781426336676
- PartNumber: 9781426336676
Details:- Hardcover
- Format: Illustrated
- Edition: Illustrated
- Number of Pages: 112
- Author: Patricia Daniels
- Publication Date: February 11th, 2020
- Release Date: February 11th, 2020
Physical Description:- Size: 11.14 inches by 9.39 inches by 0.59 inches
- Weight: 1.5652820602 pounds
- Color: Multicolor
Click here for more information |
|
GEULAY
Dinosuar Fossil Kitchen (0 pages)
 | List Price: $25.99*
Lowest New Price: $14.81*
In Stock*
*(As of 04:20 Pacific 1 Dec 2023 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Dinosaur Blanket Kids Glow in The Dark Dinosaur Blanket Fossil Blue Fleece Blanket Throw Skull Blankets and Throws Cute Dinosaur Fuzzy Throw Blanket- Manufacturer: GEULAY
- Brand: GEULAY
- Model: Glowing Blanket
- UPC: 648564289242
- EAN: 0648564289242
- PartNumber: GEULAY
Details:- Product Category: Kitchen
- Number of Pages: 0
Physical Description:Features:- Cute Luminous Blanket For Kids- The dinosaur blanket can shine in the dark. Just need to expose to a bright light source, flashlight, or sunlight for about 15-20 minutes, the longer the light, the dino luminous blanket the longer can glow in the dark.
- Soft Premium Material- The glow in the dark blanket is made of high-quality microfiber polyester fabric which is durable and makes the blankets extremely soft and warm.
- Multi-Functional-This glowing blanket can be used as a lap blanket, nap blanket, or air-conditioning blanket. Suitable for use on sofa, couch, bed, car, travel, camping, or home decor. Lightweight but warm, can use it all seasons.
- Kids Partner & Perfect Gifts-The cute glowing fleece blanket is a great guardian for kids at night, and inspires fun ideas for kids. Glow in the dark blanket is a cool and fun gift for kids who is 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 years old, will surprise your kids on Birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any other occasion.
- Easy Care & Satisfied Service- We suggest machine washing separately on a gentle cycle with cold water, and tumble dry at a very low temperature. We're confident you'll love it, but if you're unhappy for any reason, just contact us. We will offer a satisfaction guarantee, message us anytime- we're here to take care of you.
Click here for more information |
|
Linking to This Page
We do hope that you find this site useful.
We welcome people linking to this website or citing us.
|
|
|
