| |  | Last week, we learned that the history of life is studied by geologists. | 
 |  | This week we will focus on the nature of the record. | 
 |  | Fossils are of key importance to geologists. | 
 |  | Fossils are the primary tool that geologist use in reconstructing past life. | 
 |  | The ideas on how to interpret fossils developed slowly through human history | 
 |  | Understanding the origins of fossils was key to developing the sciences of Geology and Paleontology. | 
 |  | Fossils are remains or traces of once living organisms | 
 | History of fossil use and interpretation | 
 |  | Fossils have been collected since prehistoric times | 
 |  | Formed in the rocks, through celestial influences | 
 |  | Grown in rocks from seeds, solutions, or vapors. | 
 |  | Unsuccessful creations of the creator | 
 |  | Tricks of the devil to deceive people | 
 |  | Jokes or "Sports of Nature" by a playful Mother Nature. | 
 |  | Early Development of Geology and Paleontology as sciences | 
 |  | Recognition that fossils are organic in origin | 
 |  | Nicolas Steno (Florence, 1667) | 
 |  | Robert Hooke (England,1668) | 
 |  | Recognition that rocks, and fossils within them, occur in distinct sequences | 
 |  | William Smith (England, 1815) | 
 |  | Giovanni Batista Brocchi (Italy, 1814) | 
 |  | Alexandre Brogniart (France, 1811) | 
 |  | Recognition that different fossils occurred at different positions in the rock sequence | 
 |  | There are changes in the fossil record through time | 
 |  | Georges Cuvier (France, 1825) | 
 |  | Building a relative time scales | 
 
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