factors influencing preservation

• Conditions that favour fossilisation are an abundance of the organism, greater number of individuals so a greater chance some will be preserved. 
• A rapid burial after death also increases chances of fossilization because it limits decay, erosion and destruction by scavengers. 
• Fossilization in situ means that it is not transported, so there is limited abrasion and better preservation because its less fragmented. 
• Organisms covered by argillaceous sediment (mud/clay), provide an efficient seal by excluding oxygen and limits decay. 
• Larger/mature organisms are the most common fossils because the skeletons are stronger. 
• Organisms fossilize better if they have hard parts. 
• Marine environments are most suitable, continental shelves have abundant life and rapid sedimentation rates. 
• Limestone reefs are good for fossilization because they are slightly alkaline and condition limit dissolution of shells by percolating water. 
• Places of low preservation include: the littoral zone because of the high energy, organisms are broken up by abrasion and attrition. 
• Terrestrial environments have low potential to preserve organisms because they decay, are scavenged or eroded. However peat bogs, tar pits, swamps and resin can contain fossils. 
• Fossils may be metamorphized, at low grades fossils may still be recognisable.