Paleontology

2.

The Fossil Record and Fossilization

2.1.

What is a Fossil?

2.1.1.

Definition and Criteria

2.1.2.

Distinction from Artifacts

2.1.3.

Fossilization Potential

2.2.

Taphonomy: From Biosphere to Lithosphere

2.2.1.

Processes of Death and Decay

2.2.1.1.

Biological Decay

2.2.1.2.

Scavenging and Decomposition

2.2.2.

Disarticulation and Transport

2.2.2.1.

Physical Disarticulation

2.2.2.2.

Water Transport

2.2.2.3.

2.2.3.

Burial and Diagenesis

2.2.3.1.

2.2.3.2.

Chemical Alteration

2.2.3.3.

2.3.

Modes of Fossilization

2.3.1.

Unaltered Preservation

2.3.1.1.

2.3.1.1.1.

Permafrost Fossils

2.3.1.2.

2.3.1.2.1.

2.3.1.3.

Entrapment in Amber

2.3.1.3.1.

2.3.1.4.

Entrapment in Tar

2.3.1.4.1.

2.3.2.

Altered Preservation

2.3.2.1.

Permineralization

2.3.2.1.1.

Mineral Infiltration

2.3.2.2.

2.3.2.2.1.

2.3.2.2.2.

2.3.2.3.

Recrystallization

2.3.2.3.1.

Change in Crystal Structure

2.3.2.4.

2.3.2.4.1.

Formation of Carbon Films

2.3.2.5.

Molds and Casts

2.3.2.5.1.

2.3.2.5.2.

2.3.2.5.3.

2.4.

Types of Fossils

2.4.1.

2.4.1.1.

2.4.1.1.1.

2.4.1.1.2.

2.4.1.1.3.

2.4.1.2.

2.4.1.2.1.

Skin Impressions

2.4.1.2.2.

Internal Organs

2.4.2.

2.4.2.1.

Tracks and Trails

2.4.2.2.

Burrows and Borings

2.4.2.3.

2.4.2.4.

2.4.2.5.

2.4.3.

Chemical Fossils

2.4.3.1.

Molecular Fossils

2.4.3.2.

Isotopic Signatures

2.5.

Lagerstätten: Sites of Exceptional Preservation

2.5.1.

Concentration Lagerstätten

2.5.1.1.

Fossil Accumulation Sites

2.5.2.

Conservation Lagerstätten

2.5.2.1.

Exceptional Soft Tissue Preservation

2.5.2.2.

2.5.2.3.

Solnhofen Limestone

2.5.2.4.

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1. Introduction to Paleontology

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3. Geological Context and Time