fossils 1.1

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Introduction to Fossils lecture.

Palaeontology

The study of ancient life, past environments, biostratigraphy, and evolution.

Fossil

Any evidence of ancient life that is over ~10,000 years old.

Body Fossils

Parts of the original body of organisms, usually hard parts like teeth, bones, and shells that are preserved.

Trace Fossils

Evidence of behavior, such as tracks or burrows, typically made by unknown organisms.

Chemical or Molecular Fossils

Organic molecules derived from the breakdown of living organisms, like chlorophyll from plants or protein from animals.

Fossil Preservation

The processes that allow for the preservation of fossils, often depending on conditions such as temperature, acidity, and environment.

Diagenesis

The physical and chemical changes occurring during the conversion of sediment to sedimentary rock, including flattening and nodule formation.

Permineralization

A fossilization process where pore spaces within a fossil are filled with minerals, commonly silica.

Carbonization

The process where volatile components of organic matter are driven off, leaving a thin film of carbon.

Taphonomy

Everything that happens between death and discovery, including decay, burial, and mineralization.