What Happens When Something Is Fossilized?

When something fossilizes, it becomes a fossil, meaning it leaves an impression in the Earth that far outlives the organism. Fossils are remnants left in rock of a living creature: the remnants have been petrified over many years and they leave an impression of what the animal was like.

What happens when something gets fossilized?

Over time, minerals in the sediment seep into the remains. The remains become fossilized. Fossilization usually occur in organisms with hard, bony body parts, such as skeletons, teeth, or shells. Soft-bodied organisms, such as worms, are rarely fossilized.

What parts of an animals body might be preserved?

Bones, teeth, shells, and other hard body parts can be fairly easily preserved as fossils. However, they might become broken, worn, or even dissolved before they are buried by sediment. The soft bodies of organisms, on the other hand, are relatively hard to preserve.