Answer:
The dead bodies of plants and animals hardened and preserved in sedimentary rocks are called fossils. Tracing, mould, cast and a remaining skeleton or parts of the skeleton of dead bodies are different forms of fossils. A fossil is the mark or hardened remains of a plant or animal that had existed thousands or millions of years ago. Some fossils such as leaves, shells or skeletons are preserved after the death of animals and plants. A fossil varies range from tiny microscopic to gigantic dinosaur bone in size. Most of the fossils are found in sedimentary rocks.
Identification of Fossils
Fossils can be identified by comparing its shapes, sizes and parts of organ. Some major methods to identify fossils are:
Traces of dead bodies found on the sedimentary rocks are fossils. It may be a part or a whole body.
A part of skeletal system or the whole skeleton system being preserved in sedimentary rocks is a fossil.
A fossil may be in the form of molds or casts.
Shells of animals, wood of plants, etc. can also be preserved in sedimentary rocks as fossils.