Trace Fossil Definition
A trace fossil is an impression or other preserved sign of ancient organism activity, not its remains. For example, feeding, scratching, burrowing, walking, or resting.
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The Fossil Record
Fun Facts
- Trace fossils include footprints, burrows, and even fossilized poop!
- Trace fossils can be molds and casts.
- Trace fossils tell about an organism's activity while alive.
Why Do We Need To Know About Trace Fossil
Learning about trace fossils helps us know more about what life and environments were like a long time ago. Trace fossils, like footprints or holes made by animals, show us how these ancient creatures lived and behaved.
This knowledge is important for jobs in paleontology, where scientists study these fossils to learn about how life on Earth has changed over time. It also helps people who work in museums and in teaching others about Earth’s history. By studying trace fossils, we get important information that helps us share the story of life on Earth with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on The Fossil Record
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Fossils are evidence of past life, such as bones, teeth, and footprints.
- The collection of fossils in the Earth's crust and their placement in chronological order is called the fossil record.
- Scientists study the fossil record to understand how life on Earth has changed over time.
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