1. Fossils Section 29.1

2. Paleontology
The study of life that existed in prehistoric times

3. Formation of fossils 5 types of fossils that scientists can observe:
1. Original Remains
2. Replaced Remains
3. Molds and Casts
4. Trace Fossils
5. Carbonaceous Films

4. 1. Original Remains An organism that is preserved in its entirety
This type of fossil is very rare because of decay and decomposition
Examples: mosquito in amber or a wooly mammoth in permafrost

5. 2. Replaced Remains Fossils that form very slowly as rock forming
minerals replaces the organisms remains
More common
Examples: bones, teeth, and shells

6. 3. Molds and Casts
Mold – a hollow space left by a fossil after the fossil decays.
Cast – minerals seep into the hollow space (mold) and make a copy of the fossil
Examples: ferns, leaves, and fish
Observe how fossils can form.

7. 4. Trace Fossils Indirect evidence of life that are preserved
Examples: trails, footprints, tracks, burrows, bite marks and even fecal matter

8. 5. Carbonaceous Films
Thin carbon film that represents the silhouette of the organisms
All that is left due to heat and pressure