Chapter 14, Problem 15A

Summary Introduction

To describe:

A fossil type and the way it helps paleontologists understand an organism’s anatomy.

Introduction:

Fossils are the evidences for the organisms that once existed on this planet. The fossils contain clues about the organism, like feces, bone, teeth, or wood. From fossils, scientists can determine the structure and lifestyle of that organism.

Explanation of Solution

There are various categories of fossil types, which are, trace fossil, molds and casts, replacement, petrified, amber, and original material. Here, let’s discuss about amber fossil type. In an amber fossil type, scientists find a preserved tree sap, in which an entire organism is trapped. Over time, the sap hardens into amber and thus helps in the preservation of organism. From amber, scientists can easily find DNA of the organism and retrieve the whole dead body of the organism as well. This may help them to compare this organism with already recorded organisms and species.