Define: Fossil Carbon film (carbonization) Petrified fossil (mineralization) Solid Cast Mold Trace Fossil

The Fossil Record - Made up of all the fossils ever discovered on Earth Provides 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 Casts Molds 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 Fossils Show evidence of an organism’s movement or behavior Usually footprints

Original Material When an entire organism is preserved Can occur due to being trapped in amber (tree sap), freezing in ice, tar pits, etc.