The Fossil Record Flashcards
Name the 7 Major Types of Fossil Preservation
- Unaltered
- Carbonization
- Recrystalization
- Replacement
- Casts
- Internal + External Molds
- Permineralization
Define: Taphonomy
Study of fossilization.
Define: Ichnology
Traces that reflect animal behavior (ie. crawling, resting, feeding, dwelling, etc).
Define: Unaltered Fossil Preservation
Composition of fossil is “unaltered.” Examples: permafrost, amber, bogs, etc.
Define: Carbonization
Occurs when soft tissues are preserved as carbon. (Example: leaves or other soft-bodied organisms may accumulate, become buried or compressed, and lose their volatile constituents. The carbon remains behind.)
Define: Recrystalization
Rearrangement of mineral crystals. Composition does not change, only the mineral structure. (Example: shells composed of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite may recrystallize into the more stable form of calcium carbonate calcite).
Define: Replacement
The exchange pf the original substance with mineral matter of a different composition.
Define: Casts
When an empty/vacant area is filled with a new substance, such as minerals or mud, and solidifies.
Define: Internal Molds
The imprint of the internal structure is left behind (the structure itself IS NOT left behind).
Define: External Molds
The imprint of the external structure is left behind.
Define: Permineralization
“To spread minerals throughout.” Original composition remains. Minerals fill “porous” spaces. Example: Petrified wood.