Final answer:
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past. The original body of a fossil is sometimes preserved, but it is not always the case. Fossilization is a rare occurrence and specific conditions are required for it to happen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past. While the original body of a fossil is sometimes preserved, it is not always the case. Fossils can be formed through a variety of processes, such as mineralization, where the original tissues are replaced by minerals, or through the preservation of impressions or footprints. The chance of an organism being preserved as a fossil is very low, as specific conditions are required for fossilization to occur.