Fossilization Process - Essay Example

Fossilization is the process by which remains of the past geological life are preserved in rocks. External features of such organisms can be preserved under extreme conditions. These conditions include rapid burial, anoxic environment, prevention from biological decompositions and other environmental conditions. The remains of organisms are substituted by rocks and minerals over millions of years and the end product is a fossil. Fossils are generally categorized into two main types: Body fossils and trace fossils.

Body fossils are the remains of the organisms that have been fossilized. They are an important resource for identifying the types of species living during a particular era. Body fossils are the actual parts of the organisms and are rare to find as they can only be found in the places where the organisms actually lived. They provide very important information regarding the physical appearance of the organism but they are still ignorant of their lifestyle. Trace fossils include footprints, pathways and droppings.

These offer an insight into the lifestyle of these organisms.