ichnology

Ichnology is the branch of paleontology that deals with traces of organismal behavior. The division of ichnology dealing with trace fossils is paleoichnology, while neoichnology is the study of modern traces. Parallels can often be drawn between modern traces and trace fossils, helping scientists to decode the possible behavior and anatomy of the trace-making organisms even if no body fossils can be found. An ichnologist is a scientist whose area of study and research is ichnology.

Ichnologic studies are based on the discovery and analysis of biogenic structures: features caused by a living organism. Thus, burrows, trackways, trails and borings are all examples of biogenic structures, but not casts or molds of dead shells or other bodily remains. To keep body and trace fossils nomenclatorially separate, ichnospecies are erected for trace fossils. Ichnotaxa are classified somewhat differently in zoological nomenclature than taxa based on body fossils (see trace fossil classification for more information).

Examples

• Late Cambrian trace fossils from intertidal settings include Protichnites and Climactichnites, amongst others.
• Mesozoic dinosaur footprints including ichnogenera such as Grallator, Atreipus and Anomoepus.

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