What term refers to remains or traces of ancient organisms preserved in the Earth's crust?

The term that refers to remains or traces of ancient organisms preserved in the Earth's crust is fossils. Fossils provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth, allowing scientists to study the characteristics of extinct species, their environments, and how life has evolved over millions of years. They can be formed from the actual remains of organisms, such as bones or shells, or from imprints left in mud or sediment which later hardened into rock.

The other terms are related but distinct concepts. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that make up rocks, while geodes are hollow rock formations that can contain crystals. Artifacts, on the other hand, are human-made objects from the past, often associated with archaeological studies, rather than natural biological remains. Therefore, fossils are the most accurate term for the preservation of ancient organisms.