Chapter 14, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A palaeontologist is a scientist who study fossils and make attempts to read the record of life left in rocks. Palaeontologists infer the organism and the environment in which it lived and paleontologists often can create images of extinct communities.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (D) amber.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (D) amber. Amber is a fossil of an entire organism which was preserved in the tree sap.

The sap hardens into amber and preserves the trapped organism. Amber provides most anatomical information to paleontologists. Thus, this is the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer:

Option (A) trace. A trace fossil is any indirect evidence such as footprints left by an organism. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (B) molds. Molds are impression of the organisms which does not provide anatomical evidence. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (C) replacement. The original material of an organism is replaced with mineral crystals which does not provide anatomical evidence. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.