Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Paleobiology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Paleobiology 1. Fossil vs. Fossilization Often used interchangeably, 'fossil' refers to the preserved remains of a once-living organism, while 'fossilization' is the process by which organic material is transformed into a fossil over time. 2. Extinct vs. Extirpated While 'extinct' means a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth, 'extirpated' refers to a species that is extinct in a particular region but can still be found elsewhere. 3. Evolution vs. Natural Selection 'Evolution' encompasses the gradual changes in a species over time, while 'natural selection' is the mechanism that drives these changes, favoring traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. 4. Cast vs. Mold A 'cast' is a fossil formed when minerals fill the space left by a decomposed organism, while a 'mold' is the impression or hollow left behind by the organism. 5. Taxonomy vs. Phylogeny