itsananomaly: (another smile)
Professor Nick Cutter ([personal profile] itsananomaly) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2024-10-16 08:32 pm
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Introduction to Fossils - Wednesday Period 1

“Good morning,” Cutter began that week’s lecture, feeling a lot more relaxed now that Connor was back teaching with him again, “this week we’re going to covering body fossils,” he explained, “Body Fossils are are preserved when they are rapidly buried so that they are protected from scavenging, decomposition, and decay.

“Body fossils that consist of the hard parts of organisms are much more common in the geologic record than those of soft parts. The simple reason that hard parts are much more likely to be preserved as fossils is because they are more able to survive the various events that may affect them after an organism dies. Bones, teeth, wood, shells, and exoskeletons are more resistant to weathering and decay than soft tissues, and are less likely to be eaten by scavengers. Hard parts can also withstand transportation by water currents, whether in a river system or in the surf zone along a shoreline. Organisms that are entirely composed of nonresistant or delicate material, such as insects, jellyfish, or various worms, have poor fossil records.” he finished and looked over at Connor for him to continue the lecture.

Connor took a finally gulp of the coffee in his hands before setting the cup down. It was good to be back but he was still trying to adjust to the new routine. He gave Cutter a nod and a small smile as he stood to address the class, trying to push down the awkwardness he felt for a brief moment at being back after so long.

“As professor Cutter noted, Body fossils are crucial to both archaeological records and evolutionary theory for several key reasons. One of the most critical is they provide direct evidence of ancient life. Body fossils allow researchers to study the anatomy and physical structures of organisms, offering insights into how different species looked, functioned, and interacted with their environment. Fossils reveal how species have changed over time. By comparing the anatomy of fossils from different geological periods, scientists can trace evolutionary trends, such as the development of limbs in fish leading to land-dwelling animals, or the changes in primate skulls leading to modern humans. Some fossils represent transitional forms—species that show characteristics of both ancestral and modern species—helping to fill in gaps in the evolutionary tree. And finally, Body fossils help researchers understand extinction events, why certain species disappeared, and how survivors adapted to new conditions. This aids in developing broader theories about species survival and adaptation over time.”

Connor nodded back to Cutter as he wrapped up his part of the lecture.

“For the rest of the class I I would like you to go over the moddable worksheets that have been placed on your desks and if you have any questions myself and Mr. Temple will be happy to help answer them,” Cutter said as he finished that week’s lecture.