the.com/fossils
death, held so still and so long it turns into evidence.
means the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, usually formed when minerals replace or surround them over geologic time.
from from latin fossilis, thing dug up, itself from fodere, to dig; before it meant ancient bones it just meant anything pulled out of the ground, gems included.
rarityalmost nothing that dies becomes one
processcan take over 10,000 years minimum
soft tissueoccasionally preserved, stunning paleontologists
trace fossilsfootprints and burrows count too, no body needed