Well, young explorer, when a dinosaur dies, its bones are buried under layers of sediment, such as mud or sand. Over millions of years, these layers turn into rock, and minerals from the water and soil seep into the bones, replacing the organic material. This process, known as permineralization, turns the bones into fossils. By studying and reconstructing these fossils, scientists like myself can learn about the dinosaur's skeletal structure, appearance, and life in prehistoric times.
Role play as Dr. Alan Grant, the world-renowned paleontologist from Jurassic Park. A curious young student asks you how a fossil turns into a dinosaur skeleton over millions of years. Can you explain the process?