Human remains are statistically unlikely to fossilize. Rapid burial, low oxygen, and favorable chemistry are required for bone fossilization. The odds of a single human becoming a fossil are roughly 1 in tens of millions. Even a large ancient population would leave virtually no skeletal record after 100 000 years.
Fossilization requires rapid burial, low oxygen, and favorable chemistry. The odds of any one person becoming a fossil are roughly 1 in tens of millions. Even large ancient populations would leave virtually no skeletal record after 100,000 years. Most of human history is simply gone. 🦷💀
Key Facts
- Rapid burial, low oxygen, and favorable chemistry are required for bone fossilization.
- The odds of a single human becoming a fossil are roughly 1 in tens of millions.
- Even a large ancient population would leave virtually no skeletal record after 100 000 years.
Source: We May NOT Be the First Civilization by Michael Button