Station#4-FOSSIL PLANTS 1. What is a fossil? Describe the 3 main types of fossil

Question

Station#4-FOSSIL PLANTS 1. What is a fossil? Describe the 3 main types of fossils. 2. Describe the favorable conditions that are necessary for fossilization to occur. 3. Examine and draw/diagram at least TWO of the various specimens of fossil wood, leaves, amber (fossil sap), etc. at this station, be sure to note how much of the original form is preserved in each fossil. Describe the most likely way the fossils formed (e.g. recrystallization, carbonization, replacement, impression, etc.) See page 34-35 in PL textbook

Explanation / Answer

Answer 1:-

Fossils:- Fossils can be defined as the remains of prehistoric organisms that are preserved in the petrified form in nature.

The three main types of fossils include – body fossils, trace fossils and mold /cast fossils.

Body fossils are the fossil forms of entire organism or some body structure of that organism such as horn, bone, teeth etc. This fossil gives direct prehistoric evidence for that organism.

Trace fossils are the fossil forms where evidence of organism is preserved but not in the form of body structures. The evidence of the organism such as a track, a burrow, a nest etc forms this kind of fossil form.

Mold or cast fossils are the fossil forms that occur due to an imprint by an organism. The imprint is fossilized.

Answer 2:-

Fossil formation is possible only when the conditions are favourable. The soft tissue part of an organism is decomposed by the microorganisms in the environment and hence cannot be fossilized. The exoskeleton such as bones, horns, teeth etc can be fossilized. Thus, the organism must have the required exoskeleton for fossilization.

Exposure to atmosphere causes oxidation of the exoskeleton and may damage it. Thus the material that is to be fossilized must undergo burial into the sediment. Premineralization is also favourable condition as it prevents the damage to the fossil.

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