What type of rock forms when particles from other rocks or remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together?

Sedimentary rock forms through a process called lithification, which involves the compaction and cementation of particles derived from other rocks, or from the remains of plants and animals. Over time, sediments are deposited in layers, and the weight of the overlying materials exerts pressure on the deeper layers. The minerals in the water surrounding these particles can precipitate and act as a cement, binding the particles together to form solid rock. This process is critical in the formation of sedimentary rocks, which often contain fossils and can provide important information about Earth's history and past environments.

In contrast, igneous rock arises from the cooling and solidification of molten material, while metamorphic rock is formed under high pressure and temperature from pre-existing rocks undergoing transformation. Basaltic rock, which is a type of igneous rock, is specifically formed from volcanic activity. Each of these rock types has a distinct formation process, which highlights the unique characteristics of sedimentary rocks and their significance in the geological record.