Fossil leaf preservation varies from faint impressions that a leaf was once there to exceptional quality in which the leaf's smallest veins are still visible. Good preservation is invaluable to paleobotanists because it helps them better identify the fossil species. Fossil leaves yield other clues to ancient landscapes. In fact, the most instructive leaves are often the ones that emerge with battle scars, namely from the battles they lost. Look closely at a modern plant and you'll see that most leaves are far from perfect.
Insects use leaves for nurseries, home improvement supply stores, and buffets.
What's more, different kinds of insects leave different kinds of damage. These tiny trails of destruction are as useful to paleontologists studying fossil insects as recognizable vein patterns are to paleontologists studying fossil plants. Trimming fossils of excess rock Fossils sit patiently in flats, awaiting wrapping. All this evidence of what the ancient landscape was like is safely preserved under layers of sediment for millions of years, but once the fossil is unearthed, exposure to sun and wind can evaporate the evidence in hours or even minutes. Leaf Whackers move quickly to make sure the goods get safely back to the Museum.