Course Overview

Sedimentary rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms; they are an essential part of the geological record and their interpretation, alongside the fossils they contain and are made of, is vital for reconstructing past environments and processes. This unit introduces the fundamental properties of sedimentary rocks and fossils.

All the macrofossil elements of this course are found below. Click on an image to begin!

Introduction

This site includes an overview of the course, and insights into the preservation of fossils.

Trilobites

Meet trilobites – one of the most successful animal groups prior to their extinction 252 million years ago.

Brachiopods

The brachiopds – filter feeding animals with two shells – are still around, but were far more species rich in the past.

Molluscs

Molluscs are an incredibly diverse group of animals, with ancient origins.

Corals

Here we get to know corals: important reef builders today, and in the past.

Echinoids

The echinoids – sea urchins, starfish, brittle stars – are a cool group of marine animals, many of which lack bilateral symmetry.

Graptolites

Graptolites are weird. But cool! Learn more about these unusual colonial animals here.

Conclusion

What have we missed? This site covers the glaring omissions from the course.