Why Some Creatures Fossilize While Others Vanish Without a Trace

A University of Lausanne study reveals that an animal's body composition and decay process significantly influence fossilization. Creatures with higher protein content and mass, such as shrimp, create conditions conducive to fossilization. This research, published in Nature Communications, explains the uneven fossil record and enhances our understanding of ancient life preservation, emphasizing the intricate relationship between biology and geology in the process.