Upload
norman-hutchinson
View
218
Download
2
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
FOSSILSSECTION 29.1
PALEONTOLOGY
The study of life that existed in prehistoric times
FORMATION OF FOSSILS
5 types of fossils that scientists can observe:
1. Original Remains
2. Replaced Remains
3. Molds and Casts
4. Trace Fossils
5. Carbonaceous Films
1. ORIGINAL REMAINS
• An organism that is preserved in its entirety
• This type of fossil is very rare because of decay and decomposition
• Examples: mosquito in amber or a wooly mammoth in permafrost
2. REPLACED REMAINS
• Fossils that form very slowly as rock forming
• minerals replaces the organisms remains
• More common
• Examples: bones, teeth, and shells
3. MOLDS AND CASTS
• Mold – a hollow space left by a fossil after the fossil decays.
• Cast – minerals seep into the hollow space (mold) and make a copy of the fossil
• Examples: ferns, leaves, and fish
• Observe how fossils can form.
4. TRACE FOSSILS
• Indirect evidence of life that are preserved
• Examples: trails, footprints, tracks, burrows, bite marks and even fecal matter
5. CARBONACEOUS FILMS
• Thin carbon film that represents the silhouette of the organisms
• All that is left due to heat and pressure