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Related Concept Videos

The Fossil Record02:56

The Fossil Record

The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...
Carbon Skeletons01:12

Carbon Skeletons

Life on Earth is carbon-based, as all macromolecules that make up living organisms contain carbon atoms. All organic compounds have a carbon backbone. Each carbon atom is tetravalent and can bond with four other atoms, making it an extraordinarily flexible component of biological molecules. Because carbon’s valence electrons are stable, it rarely becomes an ion. As the carbon chain increases in length, structural modifications such as ring structures, double bonds, and branching side chains...
The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...
Classification of Bones01:18

Classification of Bones

The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography
07:30

Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

Published on: November 14, 2025

PALEONTOLOGY: CT Sleuthing Uncovers Fossil Misfits.

E Stokstad

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 11, 2007
    PubMed
    Summary

    Computed tomography (CT) scans reveal subtle fossil details and identify foreign objects. Researchers discovered anomalies in fossil scans that deceived even experienced paleontologists.

    Area of Science:

    • Paleontology
    • Geology
    • Imaging Technology

    Background:

    • Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a valuable tool for analyzing fossil specimens.
    • CT scans can detect subtle internal and external features of fossils.
    • The technology is also capable of identifying non-native materials within fossil matrices.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the dual utility of CT scanning in paleontology.
    • To report the discovery of unexpected inclusions within fossil specimens.
    • To demonstrate the effectiveness of CT in identifying anomalies.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized computed tomography (CT) scanning on fossil specimens.
    • Analyzed scan data to identify subtle features.
    • Cross-referenced findings with expert knowledge to detect discrepancies.

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    Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
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    Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains

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    Last Updated: Jul 11, 2026

    Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography
    07:30

    Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

    Published on: November 14, 2025

    Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face
    08:15

    Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face

    Published on: January 7, 2019

    Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
    06:18

    Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains

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    Main Results:

    • CT scans successfully revealed intricate details of fossil structures.
    • Anomalies and foreign materials were identified within fossil samples.
    • These mismatches were subtle enough to mislead expert examination without CT analysis.

    Conclusions:

    • CT scanning is indispensable for detailed paleontological research.
    • The technology excels at detecting subtle inclusions that can confound traditional analysis.
    • CT imaging provides a critical layer of verification in fossil studies.