What is a fossil?

Fossils

Fossils

are the
remains or tangible
traces of a
prehistoric
organism
preserved in
sediment or rock.
Preservation is
most likely if the
organism (1) had
hard parts, and (2)
was buried quickly

Modes of Fossilization

Modes of Fossilization

Historical Geology #6

Unaltered Remains:
the original material
of an organism is
preserved
Materials might
include calcite
shells, teeth, insects
in amber

Altered Remains Permineralization

occurs when pore
spaces in the
original material
are filled with
mineral matter
This may help to
preserve bone,
wood, or shells
with open spaces

http://amberlady.com/collect.htm

Modes of Fossilization

Altered Remains Replacement

occurs when
original material is
replaced atom-byatom with a new
mineral, and often
occurs along with
permineralization
Intricate structures
are sometimes
preserved!

Modes of Fossilization

Altered Remains Carbonization

occurs when
distillation of
gases, liquids
leaves a thin film of
C as an impression
Plants and softbodied organisms
may be preserved
in this way

http://www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~macrae/Burgess_Shale/Anomalocaris.gif

Modes of Fossilization

No Remains - A
mold forms when
the original
material dissolves,
leaving a void with
the organisms
shape
If the mold is filled
with new material,
you get a cast

Modes of Fossilization

http://home.earthlink.net/~gesuchan/Fossil/Manitou
_Park/Field_Trip_Results/DSCN9376%20Trilobite,
%20mold,%20species%201%20TBD.JPG.JPG

No Remains Trace fossils

include tracks,
trails, burrows,
coprolites
These materials
may still provide
many clues to the
organisms nature
and behavior

http://www.fieldmuseum .org/pompeii/gallery_3.asp

Uses of Fossils
Allow

geologists to reconstruct the

history of life on our planet
Can often be used to indicate relative
age of rocks - index fossils (from
species that only lived a short time)
Indicators of past geography,
distribution of organisms,
relationships between organisms

Uses of Fossils

Prior to about 3 MY
ago North and South
America were not
connected and each
continent had its own
mammalian fauna
After 3 MY, with
linkage at Panama,
some mammals from
each continent
invaded the other

For Next Time

Read Ch. 3, pp. 54-66 for W
Journal Entry - Variety of Life

exercise due Wednesday

journals Wednesday - some will
be collected!
Free try on Rock Quiz through Wed.
times?
Rock study sessions - times?
NO CLASS FRIDAY
Bring