The Fossil Record Flashcards

1
Q

Name the 7 Major Types of Fossil Preservation

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

Define: Taphonomy

A

Study of fossilization.

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3
Q

Define: Ichnology

A

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

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4
Q

Define: Unaltered Fossil Preservation

A

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

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5
Q

Define: Carbonization

A

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.)

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6
Q

Define: Recrystalization

A

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).

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7
Q

Define: Replacement

A

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

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8
Q

Define: Casts

A

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

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9
Q

Define: Internal Molds

A

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

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10
Q

Define: External Molds

A

The imprint of the external structure is left behind.

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11
Q

Define: Permineralization

A

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

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