A fossil is the preserved remains of an organism that died long ago. Fossils are formed when an organism is quickly buried under sediment layers, which harden over time. Erosion or tectonic plate movement can later expose fossils, allowing scientists to learn about ancient life, climates, and the past appearance of Earth from the preserved fossils.
![What is a fossil? ,[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)