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Fossils (from Latinfossus, literally "having been dug up") are the preserved remains or Trace_fossilof animals (also known as zoolites), plants, and other organisms from the remote past. The totality of fossils, both discovered and undiscovered, and their placement in fossiliferous (fossil-containing) Rock_(geology) formations and Sedimentary_rocklayers (Stratum) is known as the fossil record. The study of fossils across Geologic_time_scale, how they were formed, and the Evolutionrelationships between Taxon(Phylogenetics) are some of the most important functions of the science of Paleontology. Such a preserved specimen is called a "fossil" if it is older than some minimum age, most often the arbitrary date of 10,000 years ago.Answers.com

Hence, fossils range in age from the youngest at the start of the HoloceneEpoch to the oldest from the ArcheanEon several 1000000000_(number) years old. The observations that certain fossils were associated with certain rock Stratumled early geologists to recognize a geological timescale in the 19th century. The development of Radiometric_datingtechniques in the early 20th century allowed geologists to determine the numerical or "absolute" age of the various strata and thereby the included fossils.

Like Extant_taxonorganisms, fossils vary in size from Microscope, such as single bacterial cellsAnswers.comonly one Micrometrein diameter, to gigantic, such as Dinosaurand trees many meters long and weighing many tons. A fossil normally preserves only a portion of the deceased organism, usually that portion that was partially Mineralizationduring life, such as the Boneand teeth of Vertebrate, or the Chitinor CalcareousExoskeletonof Invertebrate. Preservation of soft tissues is rare in the fossil record. Fossils may also consist of the marks left behind by the organism while it was alive, such as the footprint or Feces(Coprolite) of a Reptile. These types of fossil are called Trace_fossil(or ichnofossils), as opposed to body fossils. Finally, Evolutionary_history_of_lifeleaves some markers that cannot be seen but can be detected in the form of Biochemistrysignals; these are known as chemofossils or biomarkers.

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Related Questions

Are horse fossils real?

Yes, horse fossils are real.


How did fossils become traced?

they become trace fossils because they made the prints


How did print become trace fossils?

they become trace fossils because they made the prints


Why do plants and animals do not become fossils?

why do you think many animals and plants did not become fossils


How did the prints become the trace fossils?

they become trace fossils because they made the prints


Why do most plants and animals do not become fossils?

why do you think many animals and plants did not become fossils


What animals don't become fossils?

Any internal organs. Only bones become fossils.


What type's of fossil's are there?

Fossils are classified into three. Here is the fossil type and example(s): cast fossils (filled in with molds), trace fossils (burrows, gastroliths, footprints), and true form fossils (real animal or real animal part).


How does the environment affect the formation of fossils?

the environment can rain a lot and fossils can not become fossils when theres a lot of water around


IS fossils real?

Yes, fossils are real. They are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the distant past. Fossils provide valuable information about the history of life on Earth.


Is it possible for people to become fossils?

Yes, just the same as fish and animals have become fossils. It may take many thousands of years.


When do fossils become fossils?

When the original tissue has been completely decomposed and the space filled in by mineralization.