What is the definition of a fossil?
Definition of a Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains, impression, or trace of an organism that lived in the past, typically more than 10,000 years ago. Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks and can include bones, shells, teeth, imprints, or even traces such as footprints and burrows.
Key Characteristics of Fossils
- Age: Generally at least several thousand years old.
- Preservation: May be actual remains (like bones or shells), mineralized copies, or impressions in rock.
- Types: Body fossils (physical remains) and trace fossils (evidence of activity, like footprints).