Biological Science
Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
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
Check Mark
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.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Scientists find an artifact next to an index fossil. What can they conclude about the unknown age of the artifact?  a The artifact is older than the index fossil.  b The artifact is younger than the index fossil.  c The artifact is approximately the same age as the index fossil.  d The artifact's age is not related to that of the index fossil.
Which is true concerning how fossils are used as evidence?     A. Fossils cannot be compared to one another but can be compared to living organisms.   B. Fossils can be compared to one another but not to living organisms.   C. Fossils cannot be compared to one another or to living organisms.   D. Fossils can be compared to one another and to living organisms.
Which mechanism of fossil formation created a replica of an organism's original form? a natural cast b amber-preserved c permineralization d trace fossil
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Necrosis vs. Apoptosis: Cell Death; Author: AMBOSS: Medical Knowledge Distilled;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFrBwGfOQs0;License: Standard Youtube License