18. Explain how the three types of fossils (trace, body, and cast) are formed. Please help!!
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/dinofossils/Fossiltypes.html
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/fossils.html
I am pretty sure that it is the way that scientists uncover the truth about them and then putting threw a process to determine what the fossil is and where it was and how old it was... I mean I should know my uncle is a professional scienctist(:
is there such thing as a "professional" scientist...
Sure! I'll explain how each type of fossil is formed.
1. Trace Fossils:
Trace fossils are formed when the preserved evidence of an organism's activity or behavior is left behind. Some examples of trace fossils include footprints, burrows, and nests. These fossils are formed through processes like sedimentation, where sediments accumulate and harden over time, preserving the imprint or trace left by the organism.
To find information on how trace fossils are formed in more detail, you can search for scientific articles or journal papers on the topic. They often provide comprehensive explanations and studies on the formation of trace fossils.
2. Body Fossils:
Body fossils are formed when the actual remains of an organism are preserved. This can include bones, teeth, shells, or other hard parts of the organism's body. Body fossils are typically formed in a few different ways:
- Petrification: This process occurs when the original organic material of the organism is replaced by minerals, gradually turning it into rock. This can result in exceptional preservation, where even fine details of the organism are retained.
- Permineralization: In this process, minerals from groundwater seep into the pores and spaces of the organism's remains. Over time, the minerals harden and create a fossilized replica of the organism's structure.
- Freezing: In icy environments, organisms can become frozen and preserved in near-perfect condition. This process can be seen in animals such as mammoths that have been found preserved in frozen landscapes.
To delve deeper into the formation of body fossils, you can explore research papers or books focused on paleontology, which is the study of fossils and ancient life.
3. Cast Fossils:
Cast fossils are formed when an impression or mold of an organism is filled with another material like sediment or minerals, creating a replica of the organism's external shape. This process typically involves the following steps:
- The organism makes an impression in the surrounding sediment or material, creating a mold.
- Over time, the original material dissolves or erodes, leaving an empty space in the shape of the organism.
- This empty space can then be filled with sediment or minerals, forming a replica or cast of the organism's shape.
If you want more detailed information on the formation of cast fossils, searching for specific examples or scientific papers on cast fossil formation can provide more in-depth explanations.
Remember, if you want to learn more about any specific topic, exploring scientific literature, textbooks, or consulting with experts in the field can be very helpful!