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The Paleontological Significance of Trace Fossils

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The Study of Trace Fossils

Synopsis

Trace fossils grade imperceptibly into body fossils; indeed, in some cases the two are difficult to distinguish. Although in most instances the organism responsible for a given trace is impossible to identify, trace fossil studies still can add much to our knowledge of the fossil record. Trace fossils provide rudimentary evidence for the morphology of the tracemakers, but the greatest contribution by traces is their demonstration of behavior patterns among extinct organisms. Trilobites and their traces are an excellent example, especially concerning modes of feeding, locomotio and protection. The contribution of ichnology to the general field of evolution is also important as it pertains to phyletic rates within the Metazoa, particularly during late Precambrian time.

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  1. Department of Geology, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA

    Richard G. Osgood Jr.

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  1. Richard G. Osgood Jr.
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  1. Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, Georgia, USA

    Robert W. Frey

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Osgood, R.G. (1975). The Paleontological Significance of Trace Fossils. In: Frey, R.W. (eds) The Study of Trace Fossils. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65923-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65923-2_6

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