FOSSILS

Fossils

Preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past.

Mineralised fossils

Formed when organic matter in remains is gradually replaced by minerals.

Trace fossils

Preserved evidence of an animal’s activity or behaviour

Permineralisation

Occurs when mineral rich ground water fills the cellular spaces of plants or animals.

Nature casts

Forms when flowing water removes the original bone or tissue.

Amber preservation

Occurs when organisms get trapped in resin.

Preserved remains

occurs when an organism is preserved mostly intact

Fossil record

The totality of discovered and undiscovered fossils.

Relative dating

Places rocks and structures in chronological order.

Absolute or numerical dating

Determines the actual age of a fossil or rock in years, typically using radiometric dating techniques.

Natural changes

Geological and environmental shifts, such as continental drift and climate change, that alter habitats and influence the evolution of species.

Endemism

Describes plants and animals that are native to a specific region.

Environmental variation

Changes to the environment over short, medium and long term time scales can produce a range of outcomes for species and ecosystems