Fossiilsete

Fossiilsete is a term that, when translated from Estonian, means "fossilized." It refers to the remains or traces of ancient organisms that have been preserved in rock, amber, ice, or other geological formations. This preservation process, known as fossilization, typically occurs when an organism dies and is quickly buried by sediment, preventing decomposition. Over geological time, the organic material is replaced by minerals, transforming it into rock.

Fossils provide invaluable insights into the history of life on Earth, allowing scientists to study extinct species, their evolution, and the environments they inhabited. They can be found in various forms, including bones, teeth, shells, footprints, and even impressions of soft tissues. The study of fossils is called paleontology, a field that relies heavily on the evidence provided by these ancient remains.

Different types of fossilization exist, such as permineralization, where minerals fill the porous spaces in organic material; cast and mold fossils, which are created when an organism decays and leaves an imprint; and preserved fossils, where the original organic material is remarkably intact, often found in amber or ice. The geological age of fossils is determined through methods like radiometric dating and stratigraphy, which analyze the rock layers in which they are found. Examining fossiilsete allows us to piece together the story of Earth's biological past.