BrainStuff Season 1 Episode 7 Why Don't All Skeletons Become Fossils?

BrainStuff is a documentary-style show that explores the science behind everyday phenomena. In season 1 episode 7, titled "Why Don't All Skeletons Become Fossils?", the host delves into the process of fossilization and explains why only a small percentage of organisms that have lived on Earth have left fossil evidence behind.

The episode begins with a brief history of the study of fossils and the importance of these remains in understanding evolution and the history of the Earth. The host explains that fossils are formed when an organism's remains are buried in sediment and undergo a series of chemical and physical changes over a long period of time. However, he then poses the question: if fossilization is a natural process, why don't all skeletons become fossils?

To answer this question, the host breaks down the different factors that contribute to fossilization. Firstly, he explains that not all organisms are equally likely to end up buried in sediment. For example, animals that live in forests or grasslands are less likely to become buried compared to those that live in or near bodies of water. Additionally, larger animals are more likely to be preserved as fossils simply because they leave bigger, more robust remains.

The host then delves into the types of environments that are most conducive to fossilization. For example, organisms that live in wetlands or riverbanks are more likely to become fossilized due to the high levels of sedimentation in these areas. However, even in these environments, not all skeletons are guaranteed to become fossils. The host explains that the process of fossilization can be disrupted by a number of factors, such as scavenger activity, weathering, and erosion.

Another important factor that the host discusses is time. Fossilization is a slow process that requires the right combination of conditions to occur over a long period of time. Even if an organism's remains do become buried in sediment, there is no guarantee that they will undergo the necessary chemical and physical changes to become a fossil. In fact, most organisms that die simply decompose and do not leave any lasting trace in the fossil record.

The episode also touches on the phenomenon of "missing" or "gappy" fossils, which refers to large gaps in the fossil record where few or no fossils have been found. The host explains that these gaps can be caused by a number of factors, such as the rarity of certain organisms or the difficulty of preserving certain types of tissues. However, he also emphasizes that just because a particular organism or type of fossil has not been found yet does not mean it did not exist.

Overall, season 1 episode 7 of BrainStuff provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that contribute to fossilization and why not all skeletons become fossils. The episode is well-researched and informative, and the host presents the information in a clear and engaging manner. Fans of science documentaries and natural history will find this episode to be a fascinating exploration of one of the lesser-known aspects of evolution and paleontology.