Fossils provide evidence for the evolution of life.

Fossils are not just bones! Shells, tree trunks, footprints, pollen, and even tiny organisms may form fossils. Paleontologists study the fossils they find to learn more about the Earth long ago.

Click on at least three of the fossils to learn more about them.

T. rex excavation by Bruce Selyem, © Museum of the Rockies Photo-Archive, Montana State University; Metasequoia occidentalis by Audrey Aronowsky, © 2002 UCMP; Tribrachidium © 2001 Lisa Gershwin, UCMP; The foram Elphidium granti by Karen Wetmore, © 1999 UCMP; Lepidodendron, the bowfin fish Caturus, spiriferid brachiopods, and bacteria © UCMP; Dinosaur footprints © Randy Irmis, UCMP.