Animations
Go back in time and discover how continents originated from one supercontinent, what it takes to fossilise an dead animal or plant,
when do mass extinctions happen or Darwins Natural Selection theory and more...
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Build a Sivathere
According to palaeontologists the sivathere was an even-toed hoofed animal that lived on the grasslands and in the open woodland of the interior. Build the skeleton of this majestic creature by clicking with your left mouse button on a bone and dragging the bone to a part of the skeleton where you believe the bone should fit. If done correctly you will find out more about this extinct creature. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
Build a Bear
The African Bear, stood 3m high, weighed up to 750 kg. Ancestors of this huge carnivore entered Africa from Eurasia about 6 million years ago. Build the skeleton of this gigantic bear by clicking with your left mouse button on a bone and dragging the bone to a part of the skeleton where you believe the bone should fit. If done correctly you will find out more about this majestic creature. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
The Fossilization Process
Fossils are the remains or evidence of prehistoric plants and animals that have been preserved via the process of fossilization. Most often the hard, durable body parts such as bones, teeth, or shells are preserved and fossilize. Find out more how the fossilization process may have occurred at the West Coast Fossil Park. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
Mass Extinction
Mass extinction occurs when 40% or more of the living plant and animal species become extinct within a short period. Mass extinctions occur on a world-wide scale. There have been several mass extinctions in the history of the Earth. The most recent mass extinction took place 65 million years ago, when nearly all dinosaur species were destroyed. Find out what caused the mass extinction of these majestic creatures. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
Origins of the Dig Site
Millions and millions of years ago, animals lived close to a river, which wound its way down to the sea. Watch the animation to find out how some of the fossils at the West Coast Fossil Park came to be there. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
Types of Rocks - Igneous and Sedimentary Rock
All rock and minerals are constantly being recycled in a process of evolution called the "rock cycle." Starting with its initial formation as cooled and solidified lava, rock is worn away during weathering, and then transported by erosion, until the material reaches its final resting place (deposition). During this evolutionary process there are three basic types of rocks being formed. Learn more on how these types of rocks formed.o take when looking for and collecting fossils!
Sedimentary Environment
With very few exceptions, fossils occur mostly in sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are the most common rocks found at the Earth’s surface. Learn more on how sedimentary rocks form. o take when looking for and collecting fossils!