Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) English Practice Test

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What does "petrify" mean in a scientific context?

To dissolve organic matter
To change organic matter into a stony concretion
To manipulate living organisms
To preserve in liquid

The correct answer is: To change organic matter into a stony concretion

In a scientific context, "petrify" refers to the process where organic matter, such as wood or bone, is transformed into a stony substance through mineralization. This occurs when minerals carried by water seep into the organic material, replacing its cellular structure over time, resulting in a fossil that retains the original shape and sometimes details of the organism. This process is known as permineralization and is significant in the field of paleontology, where it allows scientists to study ancient life forms through preserved specimens. The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of "petrify" in a scientific context. For instance, dissolving organic matter, manipulating living organisms, or preserving in liquid does not involve the conversion of organic material into stone-like substances, which is the essence of petrification.