This earthcache is located at The Fossil Dig which is located near the Harris Nature Center building. The Nature Center is open Monday - Saturday 9 to 4pm and Sundays 12 to 4pm.
Fossils are the remains of animals and plants from a long time ago that slowly became preserved in rocks. Paleontologists study animal tracks and plants preserved over time, as well as bones that have been converted into fossils through natural chemical processes. The study of fossils can determine an organisms' evolution and interaction with each other and their environments.
The four types of fossils are molds, casts, traces and true forms.
Molds
A mold fossil is a fossilized imprint made in the substrate. The substrate is the rock or sediment on which a fossil makes its mark. Unlike cast fossils, mold fossils are hollow. Due to the way this type of fossil is formed, the resulting image is a negative image of the part of the organism’s body that made the impression. In other words, it is backwards. Common mold fossils include skin, leaves, teeth, claws and embryos.
Casts
Cast fossils are like mold fossils in that they formed, at least in part, with an imprint made in a rock or sediment. However, cast fossils go one step further. Once the hollow mold is present, they are subsequently filled in with minerals that later harden for form solid rock. In other words, mold fossils take up negative space and cast fossils take up positive space. Cast fossils also include skin, leaves, teeth, class and embryos.
Traces
Trace fossils, also called ichnofossils, do not contain information about the organism itself. Rather, they contain information on traces left by the organism. Common examples of trace fossils include burrows, nests, footprints, dung and tooth marks. These are the most common type of fossil, and can sometimes offer more information on how the organism lived (e.g. how it hunted and how it rested) than fossilized body parts can.
True Form
True form fossils are large body parts of an organism that has been replaced by minerals. True form fossils are formed by a process called petrification. Common examples of these fossils include limbs, torsos, fingers, and heads. Unlike molds and casts, they are not formed using an impression. Rather the part of the organism is displaced by minerals that harden to become rock.
You will find three signs at the posted coordinates near a fossil dig. This is where your work begins. To claim this cache you will need to send me answers to the following questions, DO NOT post your answers. The only log you will be posting is your adventure and photos that are NOT spoilers.
1) Where in Michigan can you find Paleozoic fossils according to the Michigan Fossil Dig sign?
2) How were coal swamps created?
3) What is the squid looking creature called according to the Seas and Swamps sign?
4) Dig up a fossil. Is it a mold, cast, trace or true form fossil?
Optional: Post a picture of your foot in the mastodon footprint.