fossil preservation

Fossil preservation occurs when organic remains, like bones, shells, or tissues, are buried rapidly after death, preventing decay. Over time, minerals in surrounding sediments seep into these remains, replacing organic material and turning them into stone, or they create molds and casts. Certain conditions, such as low oxygen, rapid burial, and the presence of minerals, enhance preservation. These processes can preserve details from ancient life forms, allowing us to study organisms that lived millions of years ago. Fossil preservation varies depending on environmental factors and the original material, leading to different types like mineralized bones, impressions, or amber-trapped specimens.