The fossil record of insects contrary to what we think, is abundant and very diverse. If outcrops with fossil insects are rare compared to those with other kinds of invertebrates, especially marine ones, then they compensate by yielding large number of specimens and taxa. The fossil insects are often well preserved and articulated, allowing morphological […]

Unlike the trilobite that has left a prodigious fossil record, the preservation of insects in sedimentary matrix is relatively rare. The reason for the reletive scarcity of insect fossil is the poor preservation potential of the insect’s exoskeleton. Like other Arthropods, insects have an external skeleton called an exoskeleton. Unlike the thick and calcified trilobite […]

Trace fossils. Trace fossils, also called ichnofossils, meaning a trace or track, are structures preserved in sedimentary rocks that record biological activity. While we are most familiar with relatively spectacular, fossilized hard-part remains such as shells and bones known as body fossils, trace fossils are often less dramatic, but nonetheless very important. Strictly defined, trace […]

Fossilization is actually a rare occurrence because most components of formerly-living things tend to decompose relatively quickly following death. In order for an organism to be fossilized, the remains normally need to be covered by sediment as soon as possible. However there are exceptions to this, such as if an organism becomes frozen, desiccated, or […]

Fossils, from Latin fossus, literally having been dug up are the mineralized or otherwise preserved remains or traces such as footprints of animals, plants, and other organisms. The totality of fossils, both discovered and undiscovered, and their placement in fossiliferous or fossil-containing rock formations and sedimentary layers or strata is known as the fossil record. […]