Taphonomic bias

Taphonomic bias refers to the distortions or gaps in the fossil record caused by the processes that occur after an organism’s death, from burial to preservation. Not all organisms or parts of organisms are equally likely to become fossils; some decay or decompose faster, and environmental conditions affect preservation. As a result, the fossils we find are often a biased sample, not fully representing the original diversity or abundance of ancient life. Understanding this bias helps scientists interpret the fossil record more accurately, acknowledging what might be missing or overrepresented.