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LABORATORY SIX
Paleontology is the study Why are some life forms Most of the fossils
and interpretation of fossils. more conducive to used to interpret earth
Fossils can be useful in several fossilization? history are organisms whose
ways. Paleontologists use hard part (shell, bone, ect.)
fossils to help determine How does fossilization have been preserved. Since
ancient environments and the occur? the hard parts of most
ages of rock beds. A fossil invertebrate organisms are
may be direct remains of a part What does the fossil record composed of calcium
of an organism, such as teeth, tell us? carbonate, silica, or chitin,
bones, or shells. In addition and since the bones of most
evidence of past life such as a Does the fossil record vertebrates are composed
footprint or a "gizzard stone" accurately document the primarily of calcium
are known as trace fossils. history of life? phosphate, alteration during
transportation and burial is
When one considers the expected. The following
many factors that can destroy sections outlie some of the
an organism after its death, it various methods of
seems remarkable that so preservation. Note that
many fossils can be found. some fossils may be
The process of fossilization is preserved by combinations
a rare occurrence. Chemical of more than one type of
decomposition, erosion, preservation.
Methods of Preservation
Preservation Methods
2. Permineralization - Minerals deposited in pore spaces (such as in wood and bone) and
may become permineralized: also called petrification.
Skeletal material may be the original, replaced, or recrystallized.
Common permineralization agents include calcium carbonate (CaCO3), silica (SiO2),
pyrite (FeS2), and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2).
4. Replacement - New material replaces the original skeleton; common replacement minerals
includes calcite, quartz, and pyrite.
Mold - skeletal hard part dissolved resulting in a hole in the rock.
Internal molds preserve the internal structure.
External molds preserve the external structure.
Casts - new material fills in natural molds, forming a replica of the original skeleton.
5. Carbonization - Heat and pressure degrade original materials leaving a thin film of carbon
in the shape of the organism, this can preserve fine details and soft parts.
6. Trace fossils - Any indirect evidence of an organism. Records behavior of organism. ex:
tracks, trails, burrows, coprolites (fossilized feces), gastroliths (gizzard stones), may
help show the size, living conditions, or eating habits of the organism. Trace fossils do
not include the original organism, and are often difficult to connect to a particular
species.
Naming Organisms
In science every creature is given Features which are merely similar are
two formal Latin or Latinized names - one known as analogous, resulting from
designating the genus and the other, the convergent evolution. Analogous features
species. Species are grouped together in a may be similar due to similar function or
genus by shared similarities. Those ecological adaptations, not from a common
classifications most useful in evolutionary ancestor. Symmetry type is one of the
studies also reflect evolutionary more useful characteristics in grouping
relationships and descent from a common organisms, so be sure to note the symmetry
ancestor. Classifications are based on the as well as other distinguishing features of
presence of homologous features (having the study samples. We will only be as
the same relative position, proportion, specific as the class name for most of the
value, or structure due to inheritance). fossils we study.