The word fossil comes from the Latin word fossus, meaning “having been dug up.” Fossils are often found in rock formations deep in the earth.
Fossilization is the process of remains becoming fossils. Fossilization is rare. Most organisms decompose fairly quickly after they die.
For an organism to be fossilized, the remains usually need to be covered by sediment soon after death. Sediment can include the sandy seafloor, lava, and even sticky tar.
Over time, minerals in the sediment seep into the remains. The remains become fossilized. Fossilization usually occur in organisms with hard, bony body parts, such as skeletons, teeth, or shells. Soft-bodied organisms, such as worms, are rarely fossilized.
Sometimes, however, the sticky resin of a tree can become fossilized. This is called fossilized resin or amber. Amber can preserve the bodies of many delicate, soft-bodied organisms, such as ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
Credit: National Geographic Society
Picture Credit : Google
