Fossil Basics
Fossil Creation
100
Would this make a good or bad fossil?
Bad
100
True or False: Fossils are just the bones of an animal
False
200
Would this make a good or bad fossil?
Good
200
Can a fossil form if it is not covered by dirt or rock?
No, if the organism is not covered quickly it will decay or get eaten before it can create a fossil.
300
What is an organism that would make a bad fossil?
Answers will vary
300
Describe the mold and cast process.
An organism dies and leaves an imprint into the dirt. More dirt covers the organism. As the organism decays the dirt above fills in the mold. Both the mold and the cast harden.
400
What is an organism that would make a good fossil?
Answers will vary
400
Describe the permineralization process?
An organism dies and is covered with dirt, sand or rock. The body decays quickly. As the bones decay (which takes much longer) water seeps into the bones of the organism. Over time the bones decay and minerals from the water take the place of the bone that was once there.
500
Explain what makes a good fossil and what makes a bad fossil.
To make a good fossil an organism must have parts that are difficult to decompose or take a long time. Organisms that are soft (jellyfish, worms, octopus) will completely decompose quickly and a fossil cannot be made.
500
Which fossil type is the hardest to find and why?
Preservation because it involves an organism being completely covered and trapped. It is not found often.