Trace fossil — Science definition
A footprint, burrow, tooth mark or dropping, preserving behaviour rather than any part of the organism.
Where it is taught
- Fossils, Rock Layers & Life History — Evolution, Evidence & Life History, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
In use
A trace fossil — a footprint, a burrow, a tooth mark, droppings — preserves no part of the organism and records behaviour instead, which is why traces are valuable rather than second-best.
Fossils, Rock Layers & Life History