Fossils - Ancient rock formations
Ancient rock formations
The vast majority of living organisms live, die, and decay without leaving behind any physical trace of their existence. Paleontologists estimate that only about 1 to 2 percent of all life forms ever become fossils. In order for a fossil to form, a number of conditions must occur simultaneously. Where an organism settles after death and its surroundings are the main factors that determine fossil formation.
Fossils occur in rocks. The majority of fossils are found in a type of rock called sedimentary rockRock formed from compressed and solidified layers of organic or inorganic matter.. Sedimentary rock forms when sedimentSand, silt, clay, rock, gravel, mud, or other matter that has been transported by flowing water. particles—such as mud, sand, and gravel—settle and...
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