- Ichnology
Ichnology is the branch of
biology that deals with traces of organismal behavior. It is generally considered as a branch ofpaleontology ; however, only one division of ichnology,paleoichnology , deals withtrace fossils , whileneoichnology 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 nobody 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 living organisms. Thus, burrows,
trackway s, 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 inzoological nomenclature than taxa based on body fossils (seetrace fossil classification for more information).Examples
*LateCambrian trace fossils from intertidal settings includeProtichnites andClimactichnites , amongst others.
*Mesozoic dinosaur footprints including ichnogenera such asGrallator ,Atreipus andAnomoepus .ee also
*
Bird ichnology
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