Fossils
Definition
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the remote past.
Analogy
Think of fossils like a photo album. Just as photos capture moments in time, fossils capture life forms and ecosystems from millions of years ago. They give us a glimpse into what life was like long before humans existed.
Related terms
Paleontology: The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.
Sedimentary Rock: A type of rock that is formed by sedimentation of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. This is where most fossils are found.
Petrification: A process in which organic material is converted into stone through the replacement of the original material and filling spaces with minerals.
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