Sedimentary Rock and Fossils Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on sedimentary rocks and fossils, including formation processes, types of fossils, and their significance in understanding Earth's history.

What is rock composed of?

Rock is composed of combinations of one or more minerals.

How do sedimentary rocks form?

Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are buried, compressed, and cemented together.

What evidence do sedimentary layers provide regarding Earth's history?

Sedimentary layers can indicate the relative ages of fossils and rock formations.

What principle allows scientists to connect layers of rock across distances?

The principle of faunal succession allows scientists to correlate layers of rock based on the fossil content.

What are the three types of fossils mentioned in the notes?

Molds, casts, and trace fossils are the three types of fossils.

What is a mold in fossilization?

A mold is a three-dimensional impression of an organism that forms when it decays or dissolves.

How can trace fossils provide information about ancient organisms?

Trace fossils, like tracks or burrows, provide evidence of the behavior and movement of ancient organisms.

What factors influence the probability of fossilization?

Soft-bodied organisms are less likely to fossilize due to rapid decay and the need for specific burial conditions.

What preserves soft tissues for fossilization?

Soft tissues can be preserved if the organism is buried quickly and protected from scavengers and decomposition.

What types of information can scientists gather from body fossils?

Body fossils can provide information about the size, shape, and possible behaviors of the organism.