Chapter 14, Problem 6A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A fossil is any preserved evidence of an organism. Plants, animals and even bacteria can form fossils. More than 99 percent of the species that existed have become extinct. Only a small percentage of these organisms are preserved as fossils. There are six categories of fossils; trace, molds, replacement, petrified, amber and mummies.

Answer to Problem 6A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option D. amber

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option D. amber − A preserved tree sap traps an entire organism. The sap hardens into amber and preserves the trapped organism. Since the entire organism is available for study, its anatomical features can be easily studied. Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. trace− A trace fossil is any indirect evidence left by the organism. It includes footprints, burrows and feces. These evidences will not tell anything about anatomy of the organism. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option B. molds- A mold is an impression of an organism. A cast is a mold filled with sediment. Molds do not give much information about anatomy of organism. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option C. replacement− The original material of an organism is replaced with mineral crystals that can leave detailed replicas of hard or soft parts. These do not give anatomical details of an organism. Hence this is not the correct option.