🔬 Science · Dinosaurs & Paleontology

Types of Fossils

Distinguish body fossils (preserved bones, teeth, shells) from trace fossils (footprints, trackways, eggs, burrows, coprolites) and explain what each type can tell scientists

Typical age: 7–9 years

“If your child saw a dinosaur footprint in rock at a museum, could they explain how it's different from a fossil bone and what scientists can learn from it?”

0 / 3 mastered

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Needs first

Fossils & PalaeontologistsREQUIRED
Must understand what fossils are before distinguishing body vs trace fossils
How Fossils Form
Understanding formation helps contextualise different fossil types

Unlocks next

Fossilised Dinosaur DungREQUIRED
Coprolites are a type of trace fossil — must understand the category first
How Palaeontologists Work
Understanding different fossil types helps contextualise what palaeontologists look for
Reading Dinosaur TrackwaysREQUIRED
Must understand trace fossils before analysing trackways