Paleontology I Flashcards
Define Freezing
occurs in perennially cold climates.
Define Trapped in resin
small organisms, such as insects, although although at least three fossil lizards and two frogs were preserved.
Define Asphalt impregnation
oily fluids work into the bones, preventing them braking down.
Unaltered
organisms heavily mineralized and do not easily break down.
Fossils
naturally preserved remains or traces
Paleontology
study of fossils
Most fossils are found where?
sedimentary fossils
What are the importance of fossils?
Assist with mapping and dating based on modern day fossils
Parts commonly undergo some sort of what after organism is buried?
Alteration
What are the five modes of preservation?
Preserve without alteration, Desiccation, Preserve with Alteration, Molds and Cast, and Trace Fossils.
Preserve without alteration
Original material preserved
Desiccation
Mummification (dehydration of tissues)
Preservation with Alteration
replaced by other materials
Molds and Casts
Imprints or voids left after parts are dissolved
Trace Fossils
Traces left by various biological activity
REPLACEMENT
Simultaneous exchange of the original hard part
with mineral mater of another composition
Permineralization
mineral precipitate into open spaces of hard parts
