Fossils

A number of fossils can be found in DePauw's Nature Park.

Nature Park Fossils
	Fossil brachiopods are marine animals that look like clams.  Brachiopods are also known as “lamp shells” because their outer shells look like ancient oil lamps.
	Fossil bryozoans are formed by colonies of animals.  Their branch-like structures look a lot like coral.  Small animals lived inside each of the tiny openings in the twig-like structures.
	Fossil crinoids are also known as “sea lilies”.  A crinoid is a marine animal that looks like a flower on a stalk.  The stalk keeps the animal attached to the sea floor.  Then the flower-shaped part extends out and is used to filter food particles from the sea water.  Usually only the stalk is preserved as a fossil; the flower-shaped part usually isn't fossilized because it was too fragile.