What term describes the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past?

The term that describes the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past is fossils. Fossils can include a variety of forms, such as the hardened remains of bones, shells, or teeth, as well as traces like footprints, burrows, or even imprints left by organisms. They provide crucial evidence about the history of life on Earth, allowing scientists to study the morphology, behavior, and evolution of past species.

Fossils are formed through several processes, including mineralization, where organic material is replaced by minerals over time, or through preservation in sedimentary layers. This ability to provide a snapshot of life at different geological periods makes fossils invaluable for understanding both the evolution of life and the environmental conditions of the Earth through various epochs.

The other terms do not correctly describe preserved remains from the past. Artifacts typically refer to human-made objects from archaeological contexts. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition, which do not pertain to biological remnants. Remnants is a more general term that doesn't specifically denote preserved biological traces or remains.