Examine fossil
for signs of a spine or backbone to determine whether it is a fish.
Millions of years ago, the state of Texas was covered by a large inland sea, and because of this, you'll find an abundance of fossils in the Lone Star state. While fossil hunting is an enjoyable pastime, you'll eventually want to identify the fossils you find. You may need an expert to determine exactly what fossils you have discovered, but reference books and materials found at a library or a visit to a paleontology club or natural history museum may help you make an educated guess.
Instructions
1. Read up on fossil hunting, rock formations and known fossil hunting locations in Texas, especially those with an abundance of Eocene fossils, including the banks of the Brazos and Little Brazos rivers. A field guide such as the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fossils" or "A Field Guide To Texas Fossils" will serve as a handy reference tool while you're out fossil hunting.
2. Search for fossils in locations where they are most likely to be found, such as road cuts, riverbeds, and quarries. In eastern Texas, Mineral Wells fossil park, located about 55 miles west of Fort Worth, offers gentle slopes with remnants of ancient sharks and other marine life. In central Texas, you can search for fossil fish in the Lake Brownwood Spillway area.
3. Use a geologist's hammer or pick to carefully remove fossil specimens or, when removal is prohibited, take a photograph of your find.
4. Examine the fossil to see if there is any sign of a spine or backbone. If there is no spine, most likely, you have discovered an aquatic invertebrate. Fossils that appear porous and those with multiple holes may be the remains of a sponge. If the fossil has a spine, you may have discovered a fossil fish.
5. Search quarry areas for flat plates or slabs of sedimentary rock. Pick up and split the slabs end-wise with a hammer and chisel. Make sure you protect your eyes with safety glasses.
6. Examine the fossil for bones, teeth and jaw lines. If the fossil is intact, the bones and skeleton of the fish should be quite visible.
7. Confirm the identity of any fossils you find with a professional or a paleontology association, such as the Paleontology Society of Austin, the Paleontological Association of South Texas or the Geological Society of America.
Tags: fossil hunting, Examine fossil, have discovered, fossil fish, fossils find, most likely
