ichnofabric analysis

Ichnofabric analysis is the study of detailed patterns and structures created by ancient organisms within sedimentary rocks. These patterns—such as burrows, tracks, or feeding traces—provide insights into the behavior of past life and the environmental conditions at the time they were made. By examining the size, shape, and arrangement of these traces, scientists can interpret how organisms interacted with their surroundings, as well as the sediment's depositional environment. This analysis helps reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand how biological activity influenced sediment formation and rock characteristics.