fosile

Fosile, commonly spelled fossil, refers to the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of once‑living organisms that are typically embedded in sedimentary rocks. The process of fossilisation begins when an organism’s hard parts, such as bones, shells, or teeth, become buried shortly after death, protecting them from rapid decay. Over geological time, mineral-rich water permeates the buried material, and minerals precipitate within cellular spaces, gradually replacing organic tissue and forming a rock‑like replica of the original structure.

Fossils provide crucial evidence for reconstructing past ecosystems, tracking evolutionary changes, and calibrating geological time scales. They are found in a variety of forms, ranging from complete skeletons and footprints to microscopic pollen grains and chemical signatures. Index fossils, which are species that existed for relatively short geological intervals but had wide geographic distribution, are especially valuable for correlating the ages of rock layers across different regions.

The study of fosile is interdisciplinary, involving paleontology, geology, chemistry, and biology. Modern techniques such as radiometric dating, computed tomography scanning, and isotopic analysis enhance the ability to determine the age, environment, and biological characteristics of fossil specimens. While most fossils date from the Phanerozoic eon, occasional examples from the Precambrian provide insights into early life on Earth.