Features Favorable for Fossilization
Assessing the effects of both structure and predation on fossilization potential


Again, the sample food web from a wooded area
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Conclusions:
If one were to assume that the two factors
investigated in this activity (structure and predation) were the only
two that had any bearing on whether or not something got fossilized.
The fossil record from this food web would most likely include
organisms that were preserved in both cases. For the structure
activity, the raccoon, groundhog and white-tailed deer. From the
predation activity it was determined that the raccon, groundhog,
robin and white-tailed deer. When considering that this food web is
comprised of eight organisms and only three are likely to be
fossilized, students can better understand how the fossil record is
sometimes seen as incomplete. HOWEVER, the parts of the animals that
are fossilized, inform geologists about other aspects of the animal's
living habits and environment. For example, the shape of a fossilized
raccoon could help to determine the types of food that raccoons eat,
and whether they are carnivorous or herbivorous.