Fossils, the remains of or indications of life in the geologic past as preserved by natural means in the Earth's crust, are the chief data of paleontology.
(the remains of or indications of life in the geologic past; preserved; by natural means in the Earth's crust) (Fossils; are; the chief data of paleontology)
the remains of or indications of life in the geologic past Fossils
preserved are
by natural means in the Earth's crust
the chief data of paleontology