Define:FossilCarbon film (carbonization)Petrified fossil (mineralization)Solid CastMoldTrace Fossil

The Fossil Record - Made up of all the fossils ever discovered on EarthProvides evidence about the

history of life and past environments on Earth

Also shows that species have changed over time

Where do fossils form?Fossils usually form in layers of

sedimentary rock Sedimentary rock forms when small

pieces of rock and other materials settle into layers that eventually harden.

The soft parts of the organisms quickly decay, but sometimes the hard parts, like shells and bones, leave fossils.

Other types of rock (igneous and metamorphic) form due to high heat and/or pressure, which destroys fossils.

Carbon films (Carbonization)Form when a dead organism is

compressed over time (due to layers of sediment forming on top of them). Eventually, only a carbon outline remains

Petrified Fossils (Mineralization)Mineralization occurs when rock

forming minerals in water replace all or part of an organism, basically turning it to stone

The minerals harden after the water dissolves, preserving the organism

Molds and CastsMolds occur when an organisms shell or

bone makes an impression in mud or sand that then hardens, preserving it

The mold can be later filled in by sediments to form a cast (3-D fossil copy)

Trace FossilsShow evidence of an organism’s

movement or behaviorUsually footprints

Original MaterialWhen an entire organism is

preserved Can occur due to being trapped in

amber (tree sap), freezing in ice, tar pits, etc.