How fossils form and basic paleontology terms such as excavation, cast, and index fossil, one concept per card.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is a fossil?
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The preserved remains or traces of an organism from the past.- What is fossilization?
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The process that converts the remains of organisms into fossils over millions of years.- How do fossils typically form?
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Organisms are buried in sediment, and over time minerals replace the original material or the sediment hardens around the remains.- What is permineralization?
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A fossilization process where minerals seep into the pores of bones or wood and harden, making the material stronger.- What is replacement in fossil formation?
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A process where the original material of a fossil is completely dissolved and replaced by other minerals.- What is an amber fossil?
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An organism, usually an insect, that is preserved inside fossilized tree resin.- What does mummification mean in paleontology?
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Preservation of an organism by drying, where soft tissues remain intact for thousands of years.- What is a mold fossil?
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A fossil that forms when an organism is buried and later dissolved, leaving an empty cavity in the shape of the organism.- What is a cast fossil?
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A fossil that forms when sediment or minerals fill a mold and harden, creating a solid replica of the original organism.- What is an imprint fossil?
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A fossil showing only a thin outline or impression of an organism, usually a leaf or small creature, pressed into sediment.- What is an index fossil?
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A fossil of an organism that lived during a specific time period and is found in rocks across wide areas, used to determine rock age.- What is paleontology?
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The scientific study of fossils and ancient life.- What is a paleontologist?
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A scientist who studies fossils and ancient organisms.- What is excavation in paleontology?
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The careful removal of fossils from rock layers using tools and scientific methods.- What is a fossil site?
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A location where fossils are found and can be extracted for study.
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