Embedded Files
The different types of fossils
The different types of fossils
Body fossils: These are the fossilized remains of an organism, such as bones, teeth, shells, and leaves. this fossil can form in many different ways but most commonly form, when an organism is buried by sediment and its hard parts, are slowly replaced by minerals.
Whys fossils form
Permineralization
replacement/recrystallization (hard parts)
Original material
Frozen (thousands)
Dried (thousand)
Tar (thousands)
Amber (millions)
4. Carbonization
Cast fossil
Mold fossil
2. Mold and cast fossils: These fossils form when the original organism (or its hard parts) decays, leaving behind an empty space in the sediment. This space may then be filled in by minerals, forming a cast fossil. Alternatively, the space may be left empty, forming a mold fossil.
3. Carbon film fossils: These fossils form when the soft tissues of an organism are buried in sediment and compressed under pressure. This process squeezes the water out of the soft tissues, leaving behind a thin film of carbon.
4. Trace fossils: These fossils are evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints, burrows, and nests. Trace fossils can form when an organism moves through or interacts with sediment.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse