Fossils are definitively dead.
According to the provided information, a fossil is any preserved remains, impression, or trace of any dead organism which was living in the past from a different geological age. Examples include bones, stone imprints, exoskeletons, shells, petrified wood, oil, coal, and DNA remnants. All of these examples represent the remains of something that was once alive but is no longer living. In essence, the process of fossilization occurs after an organism dies.
Here's a table summarizing the key points:
| Feature | Description | Implication for Life Status |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Preserved remains, impressions, or traces of a dead organism. | Dead |
| Formation | Occurs after an organism dies. | Dead |
| Examples | Bones, stone imprints, shells, petrified wood, oil, coal, DNA remnants, etc. | All Dead |
Therefore, based on the definition and the process of fossilization, fossils are not alive. They are the preserved evidence of past life.
