Trace fossils

Trace fossils are the preserved signs of an organism’s activity rather than the organism itself. They include footprints, burrows, feeding marks, or nests that animals left behind in sediments. These fossils provide valuable insights into how ancient creatures moved, behaved, and interacted with their environment. Unlike bones or shells, trace fossils capture behavioral clues, helping scientists understand the ecology and life habits of extinct species. Their preservation depends on conditions that quickly cover and protect the activity traces from decay or destruction.