North America has a rich and diverse fossil record that spans from the age of dinosaurs to the more recent Ice Age. Here’s a simple overview of the types of fossils found across the continent, including plants, animals, and more:
One of the most famous dinosaur fossils found in North America is the Tyrannosaurus rex, often just called T. rex. These enormous predators roamed what is now the western United States. Their impressive skeletons have been uncovered in states like Montana and South Dakota, thrilling both scientists and the public.
During the Ice Age, North America was home to many large mammals. Mammoths and mastodons are well-known examples, and their fossils have been found in many places, including the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. These tar pits have preserved not just bones but also the softer parts of animals that fell into the sticky tar and got trapped.
The Green River Formation, spanning parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, is famous for its beautifully preserved plant fossils. This site contains fossils of leaves, seeds, and fruits from over 50 million years ago. These plant fossils help scientists understand ancient climates and how plant life has evolved over time.
The same Green River Formation also offers a glimpse into ancient insect life, with fossils of mosquitoes, spiders, and even fish that lived alongside the plants. These detailed fossils provide a snapshot of the ecosystem during the Eocene era, showing the diversity of life and how different species interacted with each other.