Q:
What Is a Cast Fossil?
A:
Quick Answer
A cast fossil preserves the impression of the hard parts of an organism, such as a shell or exoskeleton. Cast fossils are most commonly found in sandstones and other porous rocks. Since hard parts do not decay as quickly as softer tissues, they are most likely to leave cast fossils.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Alice Cahill
Moment
Getty Images
Full Answer
As the softer parts of an organism decay and dissolve, a detailed impression of the organism is left behind in rock. Cast fossils result when minerals are deposited in these molds. Artificial cast fossils can also be created by using plaster of Paris or latex to fill an existing mold.
Learn more about Ancient HistorySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is 1 AD?
A: The year 1 AD was the first year of the common era in the parts of the world that use the Gregorian calendar. According to New Advent, the dating conventio... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the cradle of civilization?
A: Scholars traditionally regard Mesopotamia, an ancient area surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that is now parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Turkey ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where was the Safavid Empire located?
A: The Safavid Empire covered all of what is now Iran and parts of present-day Turkey and Georgia. This Islamic empire lasted from 1501 to 1722, and at its pe... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do you make a plaster tooth cast?
A: Making a dental impression using a plaster alginate mixture involves selecting an impression tray, mixing the plaster, placing the mixture in the tray, sea... Full Answer >Filed Under:
