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Patterns or mineral deposits in rocks that may resemble fossils but do not originate from living organisms, often mistaken as actual fossils.

Tiny fossils of microscopic organisms that can only be studied with the aid of a microscope, often used to study the early history of life on Earth and climate change.

Created when a mold fossil fills in with sediment or mineral deposits that harden and take the shape of the hollow mold, effectively forming a replica of the original organism.

Remains of the actual organism or parts of it, typically bones, teeth, or shells that have been preserved through mineralization where mineral deposits form internal casts of organisms.

A fossilization process where heat and pressure cause the organic elements of the original organism to be replaced by a thin carbon layer, preserving delicate details.

Form when an organism buried in sediment dissolves or decays, leaving behind an impression or cavity in its shape, which may later become filled with other materials to form a cast fossil.

Occurs when minerals carried by water are deposited around a hard structure, sometimes replacing the original organism material, which creates a stony replica.

Entire organism or parts of it are conserved through processes like freezing, drying, or encasement in tar, where decomposition is slowed or halted.

Evidence of the organism's presence and behavior, not the organism itself, such as footprints, burrows, or feces, capturing the activity of ancient life.