Rocks & Fossils Flashcards
(26 cards)
What water speed would lead to a small grain size in rocks
slow
if the grain size on a rock is large, what was the water speed
fast
if the grain size of a rock was medium what was the water speed
moderate
would granite rock be good or bad to look for dinosaur fossils? why?
bad: heat/pressure destroys fossils and prevents preserving of fossils
would sandstone rock be good or bad to look for dinosaur fossils? why?
good: able to be preserved and found
wouls schidt rock be good or bad to look for dinosaur fossils? why?
bad: fossils would be destroyed and difficult to find
would scoria rock be good or bad to look for dinosaur fossils? why?
bad: heat/pressure destroys fossils and prevents preserving of fossils
would limestone rock be good or bad to look for dinosaur fossils? why?
bad: it’s hard to break and can damage the fossils inside.
what’s the difference from a fossil and a trace fossil
fossil: animal bones
trace fossil: evidence of animal activity
What are the three types of rocks?
Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
Igneous rocks form from cooling magma, sedimentary rocks from particles or precipitation, and metamorphic rocks from transformed existing rocks.
How do igneous rocks form?
From the cooling and solidification of magma
This can occur through volcanic eruptions or underground crystallization.
What is the primary environment for finding fossils?
Sedimentary rocks
Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks due to their formation conditions.
What is lithification?
The process that transforms loose sediments into sedimentary rocks
This involves compaction and cementation of sediments.
What role does erosion play in the rock cycle?
It breaks down rocks and transports sediments
Erosion destroys topography by moving sediments from high to low areas.
Where are dinosaur fossils most commonly found?
In rivers, floodplains, and lakes
These areas are significant for deposition, where most fossils are preserved.
What is a fossil?
The physical or chemical remains or traces of ancient life
The term can refer to various forms of preservation, not just bones.
What is the significance of bones in the fossil record?
They are more frequently preserved than soft parts
This is due to their resistance to decay by other organisms.
How does burial impact fossilization?
It requires a depositional environment for preservation
Quick burial after death increases the likelihood of fossilization.
What is permineralization?
The process where minerals precipitate into hollow spaces of decayed bones
This contributes to the fossilization of bones.
True or False: Fossils can only be preserved in sedimentary rocks.
False
Fossils can occasionally be found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, but this is less common.
What types of dinosaur body fossils exist?
Bones, teeth, preserved soft tissues
Soft tissues include skin and feathers, but they decay more quickly.
Fill in the blank: The three steps in the sedimentary part of the rock cycle are weathering, ________, and lithification.
erosion
What happens to bones after death that aids in fossilization?
They decay, leaving hollow spaces for minerals
This decay allows for the process of permineralization to occur.
Where are dinosaur fossils occasionally found besides sedimentary environments?
In wind-blown sand dunes and shallow marine sediments
These locations can preserve fossils under specific conditions.
