Biological Science
Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 28, Problem 1TYK

Choose the best definition of a fossil.

a. any trace of an organism that has been converted into rock

b. a bone, tooth, shell, or other hard part of an organism that has been preserved

c. any trace of an organism that lived in the past

d. the process that leads to preservation of any body part from an organism that lived in the past

Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The fossils are defined as the remains of organisms that were preserved and embedded in the earth. They are studied for their age, formation process, and significance in evolution. The study of the fossil is called paleontology and the totality of fossil is termed as fossil records.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

The preserved remains or traces of any part or whole of an organism that was once living, are called fossils by the process of fossilization. The hard parts of the body, such as teeth and bones do not decompose easily and get preserved in the rocks or soil.

Explanation of Solution

Justification for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given as any organism traces that lived in the past. The fossils show preserved remains of prehistoric organisms (organisms that were present in the periods of earth history). They provide information about the organisms that once lived in the past. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Justification for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given as any organism’s traces that are converted into rocks. Fossils get embedded in rocks and they are not converted into rocks. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is given as any hard parts that have been preserved. Soft parts of the organisms that are preserved can also be considered as fossilized remains, such as fossils of casts and molds as impressions of their superficial in rocks. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given as the process that leads to preservation of any part of from an organism that lived in the past. This process of preservation of organism is called fossilization, not fossil. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that a fossil is any part of the dead organism that has been preserved, which lived in the past.

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