Explain what two things are MOST critical to improve the chances that an organism can possibly become a fossil.

Answer 1

The 2 things that are most critical to improve chances of fossilization are:

1) rapid burial- Rapid burial protects the organism’s remains from scavengers, decay, and weathering. Being quickly covered by sediment (e.g., mud, sand, volcanic ash) creates an environment where decomposition is slowed and fossilization processes like mineral replacement can begin

2) The Presence of hard parts- Hard parts like bones, teeth, shells, and exoskeletons are far more likely to fossilize than soft tissues. These parts resist decay and physical destruction long enough to undergo the chemical changes needed for fossilization (e.g., permineralization, recrystallization).

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