Taphonomy is the study of how organisms decay and become fossilized over time. It examines the processes that affect remains after death, including decomposition, burial, and the environmental conditions that influence fossil formation. Understanding taphonomy helps scientists learn about past ecosystems and the conditions that preserved certain organisms. This field combines aspects of biology, geology, and archaeology to analyze how different factors, such as climate, soil composition, and predation, impact the preservation of remains. By studying taphonomic processes, researchers can gain insights into the history of life on Earth and the factors that contribute to the fossil record.