Fossilization

This animation shows the fossilization by permineralization of a living organism (the example used is a trilobite). The time scale is consistent with the dimensions of the principle stages in the transformation of a fossil to rock.

• Decomposition of organic (soft) parts
• Burial of the carapace (exoskeleton) by sediments
• Permineralization of the exoskeleton
• Geological processes
• Erosion bringing the buried fossil to the surface