Final answer:
In the process of fossil formation, the skeleton is first buried by water and sediment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of fossil formation, the skeleton is first buried by water and sediment. This is because when a hominid dies, its remains are exposed to the environment and can be easily decomposed or destroyed. In order for the remains to be preserved as fossils, they need to be quickly buried by water and sediment, which helps protect the bones from erosion and other destructive forces.