Illinois

=**Illinois**=

**By Zachary Goldsmith**

 * __Name of the Fossil__**
 * The Illinois state fossil is that of the Tully Monster ( //Tellimonstrum gregarium )//
 * __ Description __**
 * The Tully Monster was a small, snake-like organism with fins on its tail that helped it swim through the water.

__** Picture **__
 * At the end of its neck was a small jaw that contained 8 sharp teeth for catching prey.

__**Preservation**__ [] > []
 * __Time Existed__**
 * Lived 340-280 million years ago.
 * Lived during a period known as the Pennsylvanian geological period.
 * Its fossils are preserved in rocks make up what used to be a large riverbed.
 * Fossils are found in the Mazon Creek Deposits and open coal mines.
 * __Who Found it/ Why is it the State Fossil__**
 * Discovered in 1989 by Francis Tully
 * Is the state fossil due to how common it is in Illinois and the fact that it is exclusively found in Illinois.
 * __References__**
 * Illinois State Fossil. Retrieved March 25, 2012 from
 * State Symbol: Illinois State Fossil — Tully Monster (Tullimonstrum gregarium). Illinois State Symbols. Retrieved March 25, 2012 from