Paramys copei fossil

myminifactory

Fossils typically preserve just a piece of the deceased organism, usually parts that were partially mineralized during life, like bones and teeth from vertebrates, or chitinous or calcareous shells from invertebrates. Fossils can also consist of marks left behind by the living organism, such as animal tracks or feces. These types of fossil are known as trace fossils, as opposed to body fossils. Past life leaves some unseen markers that can be detected through biochemical signals; these are called chemofossils or biosignatures.