When we think about life and death, we often imagine the cycle of nature—living things returning to the soil, nourishing the Earth once more. Yet, despite centuries and even millennia, our bones often remain long after flesh and memory have faded. From ancient skeletons unearthed by archaeologists to preserved fossils of animals millions of years old, bones persist. But why doesn’t the Earth fully consume them? 🦴 The Strength of Bones Bones are not just ordinary tissue. They are made of collagen fibers (protein) and calcium phosphate (a mineral) . This combination gives bones both flexibility and extraordinary strength. The mineral content, in particular, makes bones resistant to decay compared to soft tissues like muscles or skin, which microorganisms quickly consume. 🕰️ Nature’s Slow Process The Earth does eventually break down bones, but it happens very slowly. Factors like soil acidity, moisture, temperature, and microbial activity determine how fast bones degra...