Fossils

Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient organisms that lived long ago. They can include bones, shells, teeth, or even imprints of plants and animals in sediment. Fossils form through processes like mineralization, where minerals replace organic material, or compression, which leaves an imprint. They provide valuable evidence about Earth's past life, environments, and how species have changed over time. Studying fossils helps scientists understand evolution, extinct species, and the history of our planet.