The Fossil Record

Question 1

Name the 7 Major Types of Fossil Preservation

Answer 1

1. Unaltered
2. Carbonization
3. Recrystalization
4. Replacement
5. Casts
6. Internal + External Molds
7. Permineralization

Question 2

Define: Taphonomy

Answer 2

Study of fossilization.

Question 3

Define: Ichnology

Answer 3

Traces that reflect animal behavior (ie. crawling, resting, feeding, dwelling, etc).

Question 4

Define: Unaltered Fossil Preservation

Answer 4

Composition of fossil is “unaltered.” Examples: permafrost, amber, bogs, etc.

Question 5

Define: Carbonization

Answer 5

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.)

Question 6

Define: Recrystalization

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Define: Replacement

Answer 7

The exchange pf the original substance with mineral matter of a different composition.

Question 8

Define: Casts

Answer 8

When an empty/vacant area is filled with a new substance, such as minerals or mud, and solidifies.

Question 9

Define: Internal Molds

Answer 9

The imprint of the internal structure is left behind (the structure itself IS NOT left behind).

Question 10

Define: External Molds

Answer 10

The imprint of the external structure is left behind.

Question 11

Define: Permineralization

Answer 11

“To spread minerals throughout.” Original composition remains. Minerals fill “porous” spaces. Example: Petrified wood.