fosilleri

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. These can include bones, shells, teeth, footprints, or even impressions of plants. Fossils are typically found embedded in sedimentary rock, which forms from layers of sediment that accumulate over long periods. As these layers are deposited, they can bury and eventually preserve organic material.

The process of fossilization, or petrification, can take millions of years. Minerals from surrounding groundwater seep into the pores of the organic material, replacing the original substance with stone. This mineral replacement results in a detailed replica of the original organism. In some cases, only the empty space where the organism once was is preserved, creating a cast or mold.

The study of fossils is called paleontology. Paleontologists analyze fossils to understand the history of life on Earth, reconstruct ancient ecosystems, and trace the evolution of species over geological time. Fossils provide crucial evidence for theories such as evolution and plate tectonics. The fossil record is not complete, as not all organisms fossilize, and many fossils may be undiscovered or destroyed by geological processes. However, the fossils that have been found offer an invaluable glimpse into the planet's deep past.