Which type of rock are most fossils found in?
sedimentary rock Most fossils "hide out" in sedimentary rock . When tiny bits of rocks and minerals (called sediment) join together over millions of years, they become sedimentary rock. Plants and animals that become sandwiched in this sediment eventually turn into fossils. Two examples of sedimentary rocks are sandstone and shale.
What kind of rocks preserve fossils?
Fossils, the preserved remains of animal and plant life, are mostly found embedded in sedimentary rocks. Of the sedimentary rocks, most fossils occur in shale, limestone and sandstone.
Are fossils found in igneous rocks?
Fossils are not usually found in either igneous or metamorphic rocks.
Where are most fossils found?
sedimentary rock Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is formed by dirt (sand, silt, or clay) and debris that settles to the bottom of an ocean or lake and compresses for such a long time that it becomes hard as a rock. Limestone and sandstone are types of sedimentary rock that commonly have fossils.
Are fossils only found in sedimentary rocks?
Igneous rocks form from molten rock, and rarely have fossils in them. Metamorphic rocks have been put under great pressure, heated, squashed or stretched, and fossils do not usually survive these extreme conditions. Generally it is only sedimentary rocks that contain fossils.
Are fossils found in sedimentary rocks?
Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rocks and occasionally some fine-grained, low-grade metamorphic rocks.
Are fossils found in metamorphic rocks?
Metamorphic rock, such as marble, is formed by tremendous heat and pressure. Fossils are not usually found in either igneous or metamorphic rocks.
Can fossils only be found in sedimentary rocks?
Of the three types of rocks, only sedimentary rocks can preserve fossils; igneous rocks would destroy fossils before they had a chance to form, and metamorphic rocks would damage fossils due to their heat and/or pressure during formation.
Why are fossils preserved in sedimentary rocks only?
Sedimentary rocks can contain fossils because, unlike most igneous and metamorphic rocks, they form at temperatures and pressures that do not destroy fossil remains.
Why are fossils not found in igneous or metamorphic rocks?
Sorry – no fossils here! Igneous rocks form from molten rock, and rarely have fossils in them. Metamorphic rocks have been put under great pressure, heated, squashed or stretched, and fossils do not usually survive these extreme conditions. Generally it is only sedimentary rocks that contain fossils.