| | Last week, we learned that the history of life is studied by geologists. |
| | This week we will focus on the nature of the record. |
| | Fossils are of key importance to geologists. |
| | Fossils are the primary tool that geologist use in reconstructing past life. |
| | The ideas on how to interpret fossils developed slowly through human history |
| | Understanding the origins of fossils was key to developing the sciences of Geology and Paleontology. |
| | Fossils are remains or traces of once living organisms |
| History of fossil use and interpretation |
| | Fossils have been collected since prehistoric times |
| | Formed in the rocks, through celestial influences |
| | Grown in rocks from seeds, solutions, or vapors. |
| | Unsuccessful creations of the creator |
| | Tricks of the devil to deceive people |
| | Jokes or "Sports of Nature" by a playful Mother Nature. |
| | Early Development of Geology and Paleontology as sciences |
| | Recognition that fossils are organic in origin |
| | Nicolas Steno (Florence, 1667) |
| | Robert Hooke (England,1668) |
| | Recognition that rocks, and fossils within them, occur in distinct sequences |
| | William Smith (England, 1815) |
| | Giovanni Batista Brocchi (Italy, 1814) |
| | Alexandre Brogniart (France, 1811) |
| | Recognition that different fossils occurred at different positions in the rock sequence |
| | There are changes in the fossil record through time |
| | Georges Cuvier (France, 1825) |
| | Building a relative time scales |
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