[MineralMan]

That we have so many fossils to examine is evidence of the enormous quantity of living things that have existed on this planet. It is, indeed, rare for an individual plant or animal to become fossilized. So many things have to happen in just the right way for it to happen.

Yet, there are fossils almost everywhere, if you know where to look for them. That means that, despite the difficulty in fossilizing a particular individual, there have been so vastly many individuals that we have a rich fossil record.

I hope that helps.

[SoldierDad]

That we have so many fossils to examine is evidence of the enormous quantity of living things that have existed on this planet. It is, indeed, rare for an individual plant or animal to become fossilized. So many things have to happen in just the right way for it to happen.

So, fossils are rare = we have an extensive fossil record -seems contradictory to me.

[azhenfud]

While digging irrigation ponds at the family farm, we used to dig up or uncover petrified wood along with arrowheads.