A fossil is defined as the remains of an ancient
animal or plant. Some fossils are not the remains of the organism, but traces of
its life. These trace fossils are called ichnofossils and dinosaur tracks are a
type of ichnofossil. Dinosaur footprints are rare and require specific events to
occur for their preservation. The dinosaur would walk/run in a muddy or sandy
area leaving a depression in the shape of its foot. This impression would then
dry out and harden and then be rapidly covered by fine muds or silts which in
turn would harden, thus preserving the impression. Multiple footprints
associated with the same dinosaur are called trackways. Glen Rose, Texas is
famous for its dinosaur trackway with both predatory and prey tracks possibly
indicating a hunter/hunted relationship. --
Text by:
Bob
Simon
