GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer and Explanation: Fossil insects preserved in hardened tree sap are called fossil amber. These insects and the occasional small animal or plant were trapped in the tree sap when the sap was still sticky and flowing. The amber then hardened and became glassy, leaving the lifeform suspended in animation.

Detailed explanation-2: -What do you see? Sticky “sap” flows from the tree, essentially making a bandage over the wound that hardens and eventually fossilizes into an incredibly hard substance called amber.

Detailed explanation-3: -Amber is formed from resin exuded from tree bark (figure 9), although it is also produced in the heartwood. Resin protects trees by blocking gaps in the bark. Once resin covers a gash or break caused by chewing insects, it hardens and forms a seal.

Detailed explanation-4: -Amber is actually made of resin, a different tree goo altogether. While sap is watery and flows through a tree the way blood flows through our veins, resin is thick and just oozes around inside the tree. Its job is to protect the tree from diseases and harmful insects.

Detailed explanation-5: -Collectors and scientists have found not just bugs entombed in tree resin, but even animals as large as lizards, frogs and salamanders can be preserved in impressive detail. Skin, scales, fur and feathers are just some of the incredibly detailed features found in amber. Insects may be caught having sex.