Question

Identify, and briefly explain, two key elements needed for fossilization. must be 3 sentences.

Answer 1

In order for fossilization to occur, the following conditions are required: Hardbody parts (bones, teeth, shells) – soft body parts will not fossilize but may leave behind trace evidence.

Preservation of remains (protection against scavenging, erosion, and environmental damage)

Answer 2

For a fossil to form, several conditions have to be met. First of all, the animal had to live in the given area! Animals live in many environments on Earth, but not everywhere. The water above many lake bottoms and many areas of the deep ocean bottom are stagnant. The bottom water is never exchanged with surface waters, so the water contains no dissolved oxygen. Animals cannot live without oxygen, so no animals live there. In these situations, the only possibility of fossilization is if a fish or other swimming animal dies in oxygen-rich waters above, sinks down into the stagnant muddy bottom, and is buried by sediments.