Fossils are the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago and have since turned to stone. These fossils can tell us a great deal about life on earth many millions of years ago. When an animal died, its body sank to the bottom of the water and gradually layers of sand or silt were deposited over it. Over a period of thousands of years, the silt turned to stone and so did the remains of the animal which were preserved in it. In this way, the fossils of many animals and plants were formed.

Fossils are not only found in the form of bones, but also in the form of coal. Millions of years ago, whole forests sank down, were covered, and slowly petrified. These ancient tree trunks are now coal. Among the coal that is found in coal mines, there are often numerous animal fossils as well.

Fossils can be used to learn about the history of life on earth. Paleontologists study fossils to learn about the evolution of species, the extinction of species, and the changes in climate and geography over time. Fossils can also provide clues about the behavior and diet of ancient animals.

In conclusion, fossils are a valuable source of information about the history of life on earth. They can tell us about the evolution of species, the extinction of species, and the changes in climate and geography over time. By studying fossils, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us and our place in it.