Fossils are the preserved remains, or traces of remains, of ancient organisms. Fossils are not the remains of the organism itself! They are rocks. A fossil can preserve an entire organism or just part of one. Bones, shells, feathers, and leaves can all become fossils.
The study of fossils is called paleontology. The term 'fossil' is derived from the Latin word 'fossus', which means 'having been dug up'.
Fossils provide a record of life on Earth over billions of years. They are essential for understanding the history of life, evolution, and the changing environment of our planet.