What type of fossils are mostly found in Virginia?

• A. Plant Fossils
• B. Dinosaur Remains
• C. Marine Organisms
• D. Microfossils

Answer: (C)

Virginia’s fossil record mainly reflects a long history of being covered by shallow seas. The rocks that make up much of the state were formed in marine environments, so the most common fossils are remains of sea life—shells, corals, crinoids, bryozoans, and other marine organisms preserved in sedimentary rocks like limestone and shale. While you can find plant fossils and occasional dinosaur remains in some formations, they are far less abundant than marine fossils in Virginia’s exposed rocks. Tiny microfossils can occur as well, but the dominant, characteristic fossils come from organisms that once lived in the sea.