Fossilization by ________ preserves the most delicate structures by selectively substituting the original living matter with a mineral substance, one molecule at a time.This accounts for: sponges made of calcite, foraminifera made of pyrite, or coprolites made of apatite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fossilization by replacement selectively substitutes the original living matter with a mineral substance and preserves delicate structures by doing so. Carbonization preserves only carbon traces, petrification involves the complete replacement of organic matter with minerals, and putrefaction is a decomposition process that does not result in fossilization.

Fossilization by ________ Preserves the Most Delicate Structures by Selectively