What on Earth?!
What On Earth?! is a podcast about the planet we live on - and the many questions it raises. From fossils and volcanoes to rocks, landscapes, and the forces shaping Earth beneath our feet, each episode breaks down an Earth science topic in a clear and engaging way.
No prior knowledge required: we focus on the ideas, stories, and discoveries that help you understand how Earth works and why it matters. If you’ve ever looked at a rock, a map, or the ground beneath you and thought “what on Earth is going on here?” - this podcast is for you.
What on Earth?!
What on Earth are fossils?!
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Fossils aren’t just dinosaur bones in museums; they’re one of the main ways we know what life on Earth looked like millions of years ago. In this episode, we dive into what fossils actually are, how they form, and why finding one is such a rare and special event.
We explore the different types of fossils, from bones and shells to footprints and burrows, and explain the processes that turn living organisms into stone. You’ll also learn why the fossil record is far from perfect: why some organisms fossilize more easily than others, why oceans leave behind more fossils than land, and why huge parts of Earth’s history are only patchily preserved.
This episode gives you the basics you need to understand how scientists use fossils to piece together Earth’s deep past, and why that puzzle will always have missing pieces.
Perfect for anyone curious about fossils, evolution, and the deep history of our planet.