Fossils show us about living things long ago.

Fossils are not just bones! Shells, tree trunks, footprints, and even tiny animals can be fossils. Paleontologists use fossils to learn more about past life.

Click on at least three of these fossils to learn more.

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.