Have you ever come across a rock that you thought might be a fossil but weren't sure? Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between fossils and pseudofossils (or structures preserved in rocks that look like fossils but are really not)? In this video, I go through tons of examples of pseudofossils, their look-alike fossils, and how to tell the difference between the real vs fake fossils!
A realization I made while putting together this video is that although the pseudofossils do not actually represent ancient life, they are still pretty cool in their own right! Hope you enjoy :D
 
0:00 What are Fossils?
1:03 What are Pseudofossils?
3:00 Pseudofossil concretions
6:45 Fossils that look like concretions
9:33 Pseudofossil tafoni
12:06 Fossils that look like tafoni
15:52 Pseudofossil ring patterns
17:32 Fossils that look like these rings
19:05 Pseudofossil dendrites
20:38 Pseudofossil ‘bubbly’ minerals
24:32 Pseudofossil agates
25:53 Pseudofossil stalagtites
26:48 Pseudofossil tektites
27:47 Pseudofossil first life on Earth!
30:02 Why we care!

References: Prothero, D.R. (2013). Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology. Third Edition. Columbia University Press: https://amzn.to/383FuYX
Shout out to Dr. Jenny Rashall and Dr. Merlynd Nestell for their contribution to my knowledge on the topic of fossils, pseudofossils, and paleo in general!
Earth Materials by Cornelis Klein and Anthony Philpotts: https://amzn.to/3z5sCxe (for info on crystal habits)

GEO GIRL Website: https://www.geogirlscience.com/ (visit my website to see all my courses, shop merch, learn more about me, & donate to support the channel if you'd like!)

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Bamboo toilet paper: https://shrsl.com/3cvku
Bamboo paper towels: https://shrsl.com/3cvkw
Compostable tableware: https://shrsl.com/3cvkz
Compostable trash bags: https://shrsl.com/3cvl0
Bamboo cutlery + straw! : https://shrsl.com/3cwfl
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(Just click link, press get started, take the free C footprint quiz, then choose how much you want to reduce your footprint by donating to the C sequestration projects they're funding!)

Non-textbook books I recommend:
Oxygen by D. Canfield: https://amzn.to/3gffbCL
Brief history of Earth by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/3w3hC1I
Life on young planet by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/2RBMpny
Some assembly required by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3w1Ezm2
Your inner fish by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3cpw3Wb
Oxygen by N. Lane: https://amzn.to/3z4FgwZ
Alien Oceans by K. Hand: https://amzn.to/3clMx1l
Life's Engines: https://amzn.to/3w1Nhke

Tools I use as a geologist/teacher/student:
Geology field notebook: https://amzn.to/3lb6dJf
Geology rock hammer: https://amzn.to/3DZw8MA
Geological compass: https://amzn.to/3hfbdLu
Geological hand lens: https://amzn.to/3jXysM5
Camera: https://amzn.to/3l6fGRT
Carbon-neutral pencil bag: https://shrsl.com/3cvjv
Carbon-neutral backpack: https://shrsl.com/3cvkc

Disclaimer: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission, but there is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week! And as always, let me know your topic suggestions in the comments down below!