Answer:
Fossilization, or taphonomy, is the process that occurs when plant and animal remains are preserved into sedimentary rock. Fossilization occurs after an organism dies and only affects the hard body parts, such as bones and shells. Soft flesh, scales, and feathers will not become fossils, although, imprints of these parts are sometimes made.
In order for fossilization to occur these things must happen. First, an organism dies. The body is usually rapidly buried through erosion, silt layering, or sinking into mud. Then, the body will decay.
Some fossils are formed by permineralization when minerals from "hard water" enter small pores and cavities of dead organisms, and harden. The pressure of being buried helps to turn the organism solid.
Natural molds are formed when hard body parts, like shells, are buried in sediment, such as mud or silt. Over time, the sediment hardens, and the shell dissolves away, leaving the mold of itself.
