Burgess Shale-type deposits

Burgess Shale-type deposits are fossil-rich sedimentary rock formations that preserve soft-bodied organisms from ancient marine environments, dating back to the Cambrian period, around 500 million years ago. Unlike typical fossils that mostly show hard parts like bones or shells, these deposits capture detailed impressions of soft tissues, providing insights into the diversity of early life forms. The Burgess Shale in Canada is the most famous example, revealing a vibrant ecosystem with unusual creatures, helping scientists understand evolutionary history and the development of complex life on Earth.