Fossils - Forming other fossils
Forming other fossils
Another type of fossil occurs when no part of the organism's body remains. A fossil moldIn paleontology, the fossil formed when acidic water dissolves a shell or bone around which sand or mud has already hardened. is an imprint of a bone, shell, or other hard body part. A mold forms when the dead organism settles in sediment and then decays, leaving an outline of its shape. If the mold fills with minerals it is called a castIn paleontology, the fossil formed when a mold is later filled in by mud or mineral matter.. The rock cast has the same outer three-dimensional shape as the organism. Paleontologists often create casts of fossil molds by filling them with liquids, such as plaster, that harden.
Body parts of ancient plants, insects, spiders, and other small animals are also...
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