A paleontologist analyzes a fossil specimen recovered from a shale layer and observes that the organic tissues of the ancient plant have decayed, leaving a detailed three-dimensional impression of its outer surface in the surrounding hardened rock matrix without preserving any internal anatomical details. Which mode of fossil formation is described by this observation?
- Natural moldCevap
- BPermineralization
- CAmber entrapment
- DAcquired somatic preservation
Cevap
Natural mold formation is the process where an organism dissolves or decays within sediment, leaving a hollow cavity that preserves its external shape.
The description specifies that the original plant tissue completely decayed, leaving behind an impression of its outer surface in the surrounding rock matrix. This process produces a natural mold.
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Anahtar Kavram
Modes of fossilization and paleontology evidence