Final answer:
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, including bones, teeth, shells, or impressions, which provide a record of life known as the fossil record.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general term for any remains or traces of an ancient organism is known as fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces that include bones, teeth, shells, or even impressions of past life forms. These remnants provide a historical record of life that unfolded over billions of years, known as the fossil record. Under the right conditions, such as being quickly covered by sediments or trapped in environments that slow decomposition like ice or amber, these remains can last long enough to become fossils. Despite the fascination with relics, artifacts, and remnants, it is fossils that allow scientists to explore and understand biological and evolutionary history, making them distinct from other human-created items.