Science Fossils

What are fossils?

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, typically found in sedimentary rock.

What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals, primarily consisting of coal, oil, and natural gas.

What is a petrified fossil?

Petrified fossils are fossils formed when organic material, such as wood, is replaced by minerals over time, turning it into stone.

What is a carbon film fossil?

A carbon film fossil is a type of fossil that forms when organic materials decompose, leaving a thin film of carbon on the rock, often preserving details of the organism's structure.

What types of fossils exist?

There are several types of fossils, including body fossils (actual remains), trace fossils (tracks or burrows), and chemical fossils.

What is a mold fossil?

A mold fossil is created when an organism leaves an impression in sediment, which hardens into rock.

What is a cast fossil?

A cast fossil forms when a mold fossil is filled with minerals or sediment, creating a replica of the original organism.

What are index fossils?

Index fossils are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period, used to date rock layers.

What is fossilization?

Fossilization is the process through which organic material is replaced by minerals, preserving its shape and details.

What is superposition?

Superposition is a principle in geology that states in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the younger layers are on top.

What are trace fossils?

Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, such as footprints, burrows, or nests, rather than the actual remains of the organism.

What are preserved fossils?

Preserved fossils are remains of organisms that have been maintained in their original form through processes such as freezing, desiccation, or entrapment in amber or tar.

What is relative age?

Relative age is the age of an object, rock, or fossil in relation to other objects, rocks, or fossils, indicating whether they are older or younger without providing an exact numerical age.

What is the fossil record?

The fossil record is the complete set of fossils discovered and the information they provide about the history of life on Earth.