Paleontological Resources Management

Definitions

Fossil: Any organic remains (plant or animal), trace, or imprint that has been preserved by natural processes within a geologic context.

Paleoecological resources: Geologic data associated with fossils that provide information about the ancient environment.

Paleoecology: The study of the relationship between ancient organisms and their environment.

Paleontological resources: Fossil(s), fossil localities, and all associated data.

Paleontology: The study of the fossil record of life.

Preparation: The trimming or complete removal of matrix from fossils using mechanical and chemical means, and the stabilization and/or repair of the specimens.

Taphonomy: The post-mortem history of organic remains.