The Common Fossils of Missouri

Since the days of pre-historic man unusual rocks and fossil specimens have been objects of interest and curiosity for many fossil and rock collections have been found with the remains of the early cave dwellers. 


Just what pre-historic man thought of such objects is not known, but we do know that for centuries men have wondered about them and have had many different ideas concerning their origin. For many years they were thought to be special creations, or freaks or sports of nature until it became known that many of these forms actually represent once-living creatures. Little by little more has been learned about these ancient life forms known as fossils. 


The discovery and study of fossils has become the important science of Paleontology. This science has followers ranging from amateurs who pursue it as a hobby, to professional men who devote their lives to studying fossils, and using them as aids in finding oil and other mineral resources. A knowledge of fossils also helps interpret the history of the earth. 


Fossils range in size from minute forms which can only be seen through a microscope to the skeletal remains of the giant dinosaurs reaching as much as 90 feet in length and as much as 45 tons in weight. So complex is paleontology that many scientists may spend the greater part of their lives gathering data on some very small part of the fossilized plant or animal kingdoms. 


Fossils are plentiful in many of the rock formations in Missouri and when properly understood their presence reveals many fascinating details about the geologic history of the state. Because Missourians have shown their interest in these fossils through numerous requests for information to the State Geological Survey and to the geology departments of the educational institutions in the state, this report was prepared. It is for these interested people and for others who may become interested. 


Because it is difficult to understand the life of the past without some appreciation of the life of the present, this Handbook includes a brief introduction to the modern forms whose ancestors and relatives are represented in the fossil record.