Final answer:
Organic materials in the archaeological record are best preserved in low oxygen environments, with preservation influenced by climate, soil formation, biological activity, and chemical stability. Controlled storage is essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key factors that affect whether organic materials survive in the archaeological record include the conditions of their deposition and subsequent environment. For optimal preservation, organic material must be deposited in an environment with low oxygen levels to prevent decomposition, such as the bottom of a still, shallow sea.
Over time, factors such as climate, soil formation, biological activity, and chemical stability all play a role in the preservation or degradation of these materials. Controlled storage conditions that manage temperature and moisture levels are crucial to ensure the longevity of organic artifacts. Archaeologists use careful methods of excavation and storage to preserve these materials for future analysis, recognizing their significance in understanding human and environmental histories.