Fossil basics

Question 1

Permineralization (petrification)

Answer 1

cavities and pores are filled with

precipitated mineral matter.

Question 2

Replacement

Answer 2

cell material is removed and replaced with mineral matter.

Question 3

mold

Answer 3

shells or other remains are buried and then dissolved by underground

water. Molds show shapes and structures and are primarily external
molds. Sediments, however, can fill a void space to create an internal mold.

Question 4

Cast

Answer 4

created when the hollow space of a mold is filled with precipitated
mineral matter.

Question 5

carbonization

Answer 5

organic matter becomes a thin residue of carbon. Good for

preserving fossil leaves.

Question 6

Impression (imprints)

Answer 6

replica of the fossil’s surface preserved in fine-grained

sediment (carbon film has been lost).

Question 7

what is a fossil?

Answer 7

Fossils are the preserved remains and traces of ancient life.

Question 8

where are fossils found?

Answer 8

Fossils are mainly

found in sedimentary rocks but can also be found in volcanic ash.

Question 9

What aids fossilization?

Answer 9

Another important factor that aids in fossilization is the possession of hard body
parts: teeth, bones, exoskeletons. Organisms composed only of soft parts (i.e.: jellyfish)
have a very spotty fossil record.

Question 10

Preservation in amber

Answer 10

hardened resin of ancient trees surrounds an

organism.

Question 11

What are trace fossils?

Answer 11

Trace fossils are indirect evidence of the presence of ancient organisms