Fossils are formed in various forms, but most are formed in a watery environment when a plant or animal dies and is covered in mud and silt. Soft tissues rapidly decompose, leaving only strong bones or shells.
Fossilization of plants occurs through a process called "permineralization."
1. Death and burial: When a plant dies, it needs to be quickly buried to protect it from decay and exposure to oxygen. Burial can happen due to sediment, such as mud or sand, covering the plant remains.
2. Absorption of minerals: As the buried plant remains are exposed to groundwater or other mineral-rich fluids, the minerals start to seep into the tissues of the plant.
3. Cell replacement: The minerals gradually replace the original organic material of the plant, cell by cell. This process can be quite slow, taking thousands or millions of years.
4. Preservation: The minerals act as a "casting mold" or "template" of the original plant structure, preserving its intricate details.
5. Hardening: Over time, the minerals harden, turning the plant remains into rock-like structures.
6. Unearthing: Geological processes, such as erosion or human activities, can bring the fossilized plants back to the Earth's surface.
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Answer:
Fossils are formed in various forms, but most are formed in a watery environment when a plant or animal dies and is covered in mud and silt. Soft tissues rapidly decompose, leaving only strong bones or shells.
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Answer & Explanation:
Fossilization of plants occurs through a process called "permineralization."
1. Death and burial: When a plant dies, it needs to be quickly buried to protect it from decay and exposure to oxygen. Burial can happen due to sediment, such as mud or sand, covering the plant remains.
2. Absorption of minerals: As the buried plant remains are exposed to groundwater or other mineral-rich fluids, the minerals start to seep into the tissues of the plant.
3. Cell replacement: The minerals gradually replace the original organic material of the plant, cell by cell. This process can be quite slow, taking thousands or millions of years.
4. Preservation: The minerals act as a "casting mold" or "template" of the original plant structure, preserving its intricate details.
5. Hardening: Over time, the minerals harden, turning the plant remains into rock-like structures.
6. Unearthing: Geological processes, such as erosion or human activities, can bring the fossilized plants back to the Earth's surface.
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Please mark me as brainiest, give thanks for my answer and rate a good rating because it really helps me out.
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