Fossil

:For other uses of the term, see Fossil (disambiguation)

Mould, cast and trace fossils

If percolating water dissolves the remains of an organism, and thereby leaves a hole in the matrix rock, the result is called a mould fossilor typolite. If this hole is filled with more minerals, it is called a cast fossil. If the burial of the organism was rapid, then chances are that even impressions of soft tissues remain. Trace fossils are the remains of trackways, burrows, footprints, eggs and egg-shells, nests and droppings. The latter, called coprolites, can give insight in the feeding behavior of animals and can therefore be of great importance.

Related Topics:
Trace fossil - Egg - Coprolite

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