Exploring the Ancient World Through Fossils

What are fossils?

• Minerals formed inside rocks over millions of years

• Ancient stone tools used by early humans

• Historical artifacts found in archaeological digs

• Remnants or impressions of ancient organisms preserved in stone

Which are the two major categories of fossils?

• Rock and Mineral fossils

• Plant and Animal fossils

• Body and Trace fossils

• Mineral and Stone fossils

What does permineralization do to a specimen?

• Freezes it in ice

• Preserves it in amber

• Turns it into stone by mineralization

• Mummifies it for preservation

How can insects be remarkably preserved over time?

• By permineralization

• By being trapped in amber

• By freezing in glaciers

• By carbonization

What is one outcome of carbonization in fossils?

• Preservation of soft tissues in amber

• Freezing of organisms in ice

• Creation of coal from plant material

• Formation of crystalline structures in bones

What can permineralized wood often reveal about an organism?

• Its tree genus and sometimes species

• Its behavior patterns

• Its age

• Its genetic material

Why are fossils important for understanding Earth's history?

• They provide fuel sources like coal and oil

• They offer a primary account of life on Earth through stone

• They are used in jewelry and decoration

• They help in locating mineral deposits