Types of Fossils

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What is a cast fossil?

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A cast fossil is a type of fossil that forms when a mold fills in with minerals or sediment, creating a replica of the original organism.

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What is a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is an impression of the actual organism left in the rock, showing the shape and details of the organism.

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What is a trace fossil?

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A trace fossil is a fossilized imprint of an organism's tracks, trails, or other activities, rather than the organism itself.

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What type of fossil is an insect preserved in amber?

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A body fossil.

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Who studies fossils?

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A paleontologist is a scientist who finds, preserves, and interprets fossil remains.

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What is a body fossil?

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A body fossil is any part of the actual animal or plant, such as bones, teeth, or shells.

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What is amber?

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Amber is fossilized tree resin that can preserve insects and other small organisms.

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What is the difference between a cast and a mold fossil?

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A mold fossil is the impression left by an organism, while a cast fossil is created when the mold is filled with material.

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What can trace fossils tell us?

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Trace fossils provide information about the behavior and movement of ancient organisms.

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What is an example of a trace fossil?

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Footprints or burrows left by animals are examples of trace fossils.