Fosiliaj

Fosiliaj are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms that lived long ago. These remnants are typically found within sedimentary rocks, though they can also be preserved in other materials like amber, ice, or tar. The process of fossilization, or fossilism, usually begins after an organism dies and its body is quickly buried by sediment. This burial protects the organism from decomposition and scavenging. Over vast periods, minerals from groundwater seep into the buried remains, gradually replacing the original organic material or filling in the spaces left behind. This process, known as permineralization or mineral replacement, transforms the soft tissues into rock. In some cases, only the hard parts of an organism, such as bones, shells, or teeth, are preserved. Other types of fossils include molds and casts, where the organism decays but leaves an imprint in the surrounding sediment, which then fills with minerals. Trace fossils, such as footprints, burrows, or coprolites (fossilized feces), provide evidence of an organism's activity rather than its body itself. The study of fosiliaj is called paleontology, and it provides invaluable insights into the history of life on Earth, evolutionary processes, and past environments.