Fossilization processes

Fossilization is the process by which remains of plants or animals are preserved over time. Typically, after an organism dies, it must be quickly buried by sediment to protect it from decay and scavengers. Over thousands or millions of years, these remains can be replaced by minerals carried in water, turning bones, shells, or tissues into stone. This mineralization process effectively preserves the shape and some details of the original organism. Only a small fraction of organisms become fossils, but when they do, they offer valuable insights into Earth's past life and environments.