How do fossils get preserved?

Fossils are preserved through various processes, primarily when organisms are buried quickly after death, protecting them from decay and scavengers. The most common methods of fossilization include permineralization, where minerals infiltrate and replace organic material, and cast and mold formation, where sediment fills in the shape of the organism. Other preservation methods include amber encasement and freezing in ice. Over time, geological processes can further solidify and expose these fossils for study.