Fossil Vocab Explore 1

Front

What is a trace fossil?

Back

Fossilized evidence of plant existence or animal movements such as root channels, footprints, and burrows.

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What is a fossil?

Back

Evidence that an organism once existed in an area.

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What does it mean to decompose?

Back

To break down into simple nutrients.

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What is a body fossil?

Back

A fossil that consists of the preserved body of an animal or plant.

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What is a cast fossil?

Back

A type of fossil formed when sediment fills a mold of an organic object.

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What is a mold fossil?

Back

A fossil that forms when an organism leaves an impression in sediment.

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What is sediment?

Back

Small particles of rock and organic material that accumulate in layers.

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What is erosion?

Back

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes.

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What is paleontology?

Back

The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

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What is fossilization?

Back

The process by which organic material becomes a fossil.