GSC 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Petrified Wood, Permineralization, Cellulose
26 Nov 2017
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Document Summary
Cell- a membrane-bound module with a variety of distinct features, including structures in which certain chemical reactions take place. Fossils and chemical remains of ancient life. Fossils- tangible remains or signs of ancient organisms that died thousands or millions of years ago. Almost all fossils are found in sediments or sedimentary rocks. Hard parts are the most commonly preserved features of animals teeth, bones, mineralized skeletal structures of invertebrates, exoskeletons. May undergo some chemical alteration or completely mineralize into different material than the original composition. Messel shale of germany (47 my old)- deposit famous for its preservation of soft tissue. Sediments rich in oily plant debris- impenetrable to air and water. Plants, mammals, birds, fish, insects can be found. Protection from oxygen is the key for the fossilization of soft tissue. Fine-grained, impermeable sediment with oily, water-repellent organic material. Lagerstatten (cid:894)(cid:862)resti(cid:374)g pla(cid:272)e(cid:863)(cid:895)- deposits that require low oxygen, rapid burial, provide critical understanding for important fossils.
