How Are Plant Fossils Formed?
Freezing There are a few ways that plant fossils can be formed, but the odds are against it actually happening. Most vegetation breaks down quickly when it dies and never gets the opportunity to be preserved. It is mainly because of sheer numbers of plant life that it ever happens. Freezing is one way fossils occur, but it is rare. The ice must cover the material continually until it is found. When this happens, the plant is normally found intact. Drying Drying can preserve plants in near perfect condition. The moisture is removed, keeping the plant from breaking down. This usually happens in areas that lack moisture in the air, causing the water in the plant to be pulled out quickly when it dies. Tar Tar can preserve any number of living things that fall into the sticky substance. Tar is the result of oil that has worked its way to the surface. Some of the liquid evaporates causing the oil to become thicker. Once this occurs, it is referred to as tar. Plants aren’t normally found in t