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Fossil
The preserved remains or traces of a once living organism.
Body Fossils
Fossils formed when the bodies or body parts of organisms are preserved.
Trace Fossils
Fossils that preserve traces left by living things, such as footprints or burrows.
Mold Fossil
A fossil produced when an organism's body leaves an imprint in sediment that hardens into stone.
Cast Fossil
A fossil created when a mold is filled in with material, resulting in a replica of the original organism.
Biodiversity
The variety of species on Earth.
Adaptive Radiation
A rapid increase in biodiversity where many species adapt to different environments, often following a major change.
Cambrian Explosion
A significant increase in biodiversity that occurred during the Cambrian Period, around 540 million years ago.
Mass Extinction
An event in Earth's history where a large number of species go extinct over a relatively short period of time.
Extinction
When all members of a species die and the species no longer exists.
Archaeopteryx
An ancient bird fossil that provides evidence of the transition between dinosaurs and modern birds.
Pakicetus
The oldest known fossil whale relative, which lived about 50 million years ago, resembling a wolf.
Ambulocetus
A fossil known as the 'walking whale,' which had legs suitable for both walking and swimming.
Rodhocetus
A later whale fossil known for having fin-like front limbs and a streamlined body.
Basilosaurus
An ancient whale fossil with adaptations suitable for swimming, exhibiting reduced hind limbs.
Fossilization
The process through which organic material becomes a fossil, often involving mineralization.
Stratigraphy
The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification) to understand Earth's history.
Geologic Time Scale
A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.
Carbon Dating
A method used to determine the age of an artifact based on the decay of carbon-14 isotopes.
Amber
Fossilized tree resin that can preserve ancient organisms, such as insects.
Sedimentary Rock
Rock formed from the accumulation of sediment, often containing fossils.
Index Fossils
Fossils used to define and identify a particular time period in the geologic time scale.
Paleontology
The scientific study of the history of life on Earth based on fossils.
Taphonomy
The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized.
Notable Fossil Sites
Locations known for their rich deposits of fossils, such as the La Brea Tar Pits and the Burgess Shale.
What are Fossils?
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.
What are Body Fossils?
Body fossils are formed when the bodies or body parts of organisms are preserved.
What are Trace Fossils?
Trace fossils preserve evidence of the activities of living organisms, like footprints.
What is a Mold Fossil?
A mold fossil is created when an organism's body leaves an imprint in sediment.
What is a Cast Fossil?
A cast fossil is formed when a mold is filled with minerals, creating a replica.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life and species within a habitat or ecosystem.
What does Adaptive Radiation mean?
Adaptive Radiation is the process of rapid evolution of many species from a common ancestor.
What was the Cambrian Explosion?
The Cambrian Explosion was a significant event marked by a rapid increase in biodiversity.
What is a Mass Extinction?
A mass extinction is a widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth.
What does Extinction mean?
Extinction occurs when a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.
What are Microfossils?
Microfossils are tiny fossils, often microscopic, that represent small organisms like plankton or pollen.
What is a Fossil Record?
The fossil record is the incomplete archive of all fossils discovered, providing insight into the history of life.
What is Paleobiology?
Paleobiology is the study of the biology and ecology of ancient organisms through fossils.
What role does Sedimentation play in Fossilization?
Sedimentation provides layers of materials that can preserve organic remains and contribute to fossil formation.
What is Biostratigraphy?
Biostratigraphy is the use of fossil organisms to date and correlate rock layers in stratigraphy.
What is an Ammonite?
Ammonites are extinct marine animals with coiled shells, often used as index fossils.
What is the significance of Trilobites?
Trilobites are extinct marine arthropods that are significant index fossils for the Paleozoic era.
What does Fossil Correlation mean?
Fossil correlation involves matching layers of rock based on their respective fossil content.
What is a Lagerstätte?
A Lagerstätte is a sedimentary deposit that exhibits extraordinary fossil preservation.
What factors can affect Fossilization?
Factors include the organism's environment, the conditions of burial, and the presence of minerals.
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