What do fossils represent in the study of Earth's history? Preserved remains or traces of organisms Fossil fuels for energy consumption Fictional stories about ancient creatures Artifacts from ancient chilirations

## Step 1<br />The question asks us to identify what fossils represent in the study of Earth's history. The options provided are:<br />- Preserved remains or traces of organisms<br />- Fossil fuels for energy consumption<br />- Fictional stories about ancient creatures<br />- Artifacts from ancient civilizations<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to understand what fossils are. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past. They can be bones, shells, exoskeletons, stone imprints of animals or microbes, objects preserved in amber, hair, petrified wood, oil, coal, and DNA remnants.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Now, we need to match this definition with the options provided. The first option, "Preserved remains or traces of organisms", aligns perfectly with the definition of fossils.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options, such as "Fossil fuels for energy consumption", "Fictional stories about ancient creatures", and "Artifacts from ancient civilizations", do not accurately describe what fossils represent in the study of Earth's history.