Fossils can be best explained as

Options

A. the remains of dead plants and animals buried under the rocks
B. the remains of plants buried in sand
C. the remains of animals buried in soil
D. the bodies of dead animals and plants.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Fossils**: Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of plants and animals that lived in the past. They provide evidence of life forms that existed long ago.

2. **Formation Process**: Fossils are formed when the remains of these organisms are buried under layers of sediment, such as mud, sand, or silt. Over time, these layers harden into rock.

3. **Conditions for Fossilization**: For fossilization to occur, specific conditions are necessary. The remains must be quickly buried to protect them from decay and scavengers. The environment should also be conducive to preserving the remains, such as being underwater or in a low-oxygen environment.

4. **Types of Fossils**: There are different types of fossils, including:
- **Body Fossils**: These are the actual remains of the organism, such as bones, teeth, and shells.
- **Trace Fossils**: These include footprints, burrows, or any other evidence of the organism's activity.

5. **Importance of Fossils**: Fossils are crucial for understanding the history of life on Earth. They help scientists study evolution, climate changes, and the environment of the past.

**Final Explanation**: Therefore, fossils can be best explained as the preserved remains or traces of dead plants and animals that have been buried under layers of sediment and rock over time.

---