The Use of Fossils in Interpreting Past Environments

 

Brent Breithaupt

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1992, Volume 13

Abstract

The earth’s environment has changed dramatically over the past 4.5 billion years. A comparison of the remains of fossilized and recent organisms, associated with an understanding of geological processes (both past and present), allows scientists to interpret what ancient environments were like. This exercise was developed to help students understand (1) how past environments are determined and (2) how paleontological specimens illustrate such concepts as evolution, extinction, adaptation, paleobehavior, paleodiets, and paleoecology. Instructions for making molds and casts of specimens are included.

Keywords:  mold, cast, paleontology, fossils, ancient environments

University of Wyoming, Laramie (1991)