ADVERTISEMENT
Saturday, January 28, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Involve Africa
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
Involve Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Technology

My job is full of fossilised poop, but there’s nothing icky about ichnology

Involve Africa by Involve Africa
May 26, 2022
in Technology
0
My job is full of fossilised poop, but there’s nothing icky about ichnology
585
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
https://web.facebook.com/involveafricanews?_rdc=1&https://twitter.com/involveafricanews


If you had told 18-year-old me that I would, one day, be an ichnologist I wouldn’t have believed you – or even known what that was. But, more than 15 years later, I get to introduce myself as an ichnologist.

Like my teenage self, many people outside the discipline don’t know, or have a limited understanding of, what ichnology is. It’s the study of the tracks and traces made by animals and plants in the fossil record, also called trace fossils. These can range from animal footprints (tracks/trackways), invertebrate trails, feeding traces on fossil leaves, fossilised faeces (coprolites), tooth traces (gnaw/bite marks) on bone/wood, to burrows and borings all preserved in the sedimentary rock record. When someone mentions seeing a “dinosaur footprint” they are talking about ichnology.

It may seem strange to spend so much time looking at fossils from the distant past. But doing so doesn’t just help scientists to understand animals and plants that existed long ago: it also informs our understanding of the environments they occupied and other aspects of the past world like extinction events or climate change. That can help us understand how things might shift in future.

A rich information source

Maybe this all sounds rather dry; fossil bones tend to grab people’s imagination far more. But ichnology is a very rich source of information about an animal that could not be deduced from the bones alone. A once living animal is leaving a clue about what it was doing, the way it was doing it, and the conditions around it.

Trace fossils even preserve moulds and casts of body parts – for instance, a fossil footprint can be thought of as a partial 3D mould of the animal’s foot, its flesh and bone.

My current work in ichnology deals with fossil footprints (tracks) of one of the largest animals to have walked the earth: the sauropod. These dinosaurs of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (~200 and 150 million years ago) are like nothing we know today.

Some, like the Titanosaurs, were colossal. Others were the size of a cow or smaller. Our knowledge about sauropods is collated from their body and trace fossil records. Sauropod tracks tell us the morphology of the feet, anatomical details such as toes and claws, and occasionally, with exceptional preservation, the texture of the skin via skin impressions.

Tracks can reveal how the animal gripped the substrate as it walked, how fast it was moving, or simply show that it was there, especially if no body fossils are available. In northern Zimbabwe, for example, sauropod body fossils are very rare but sauropod tracks have been found and indicate enormous animals with feet 94 cm long and 54 cm wide. By comparison, an African elephant has a footprint length of between 30-40 cm. Collections of tracks and trackways can act as indirect evidence of sauropods moving together in a herd, something harder to deduce from their body fossils alone.

Where fossil footprints may indicate the movement of an animal and other associated behavioural characteristics, a fossil burrow is another type of trace fossil and provides evidence for the excavation of a dwelling, a refuge, or even a trap for prey (to name a few). South Africa’s Karoo Basin preserves some of the world’s finest and most unusual fossil burrows. Burrows’ walls, lining and infill can preserve evidence of excavation with scratch marks from claws and teeth and even the animal’s butt imprint being preserved. These are crucial in helping identify a possible burrow-maker and its behaviour.

Ichnologists examining an area with trace fossils – a way to reconstruct ancient life even in the absence of body fossils.
Jurassica Museum

And while the idea of fossilised faeces might gross you out, coprolites reveal what that animal ate and may preserve in it fragments of fossil bone, insects, and plant matter. A coprolite might even show evidence of other trace fossils, like traces related to beetle’s borings – insects eating and digesting the coprolite while it was still fresh. It can even show that it was stepped on by another animal. One incredible example was recently discovered in Vietnam. It shows evidence of being produced and stepped on by a crocodilian; a fossil footprint and fossil dung all wrapped up in one.

Collectively, this evidence helps to paint a picture of long-gone landscapes and the creatures and plants that populated those spaces.

Another branch of ichnology, neoichnology, studies the modern traces and tracks of animals. It’s a highly relevant field of study because knowing how and why modern animals move and interact with different substrates informs us about how extant animals may have done so.

For centuries, humans have examined the tracks and traces of animals and plants. Today, only a few people worldwide have this specialised knowledge and skill. In Botswana, trackers from the indigenous !Xo and /Gwi nations, for instance, use their superior tracking neoichnological knowledge as citizen-scientists in the management and conservation of wildlife. From tracks, scat (dung) and other evidence of animal behaviour, these neoichnologists know and interpret the movement, sex, species, timing, and speed of animals passing through an area.

Carving out a career

So, how do you go from high school to a career in ichnology like I did? There isn’t always one single, linear route.

Ichnology often requires a good understanding of biological and abiotic (related to the sedimentary processes that lead to preservation) processes in the spheres of geology, zoology (biology), and botany – as well as in chemistry, physics, and maths. There’s a wide scope of subjects you could study to pursue a career in ichnology and you certainly don’t need to be an expert in all of them. You just need to be curious!

As an example, I studied sedimentary geology, which is used in teasing apart trace fossil information as it is often preserved in sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary geology can help explain how sediment and animals interact and what processes were involved in the shaping and preservation of a trace like a footprint or burrow. Geology will assist in reading the rocks in which the trace fossils are preserved. Biology and zoology will assist in understanding the behaviour of animals making and leaving those traces in the sedimentary rock record.

Altogether, ichnology is an important area of study that helps us investigate our near or distant past to learn from it. A trace fossil is a little secret snapshot of an animal’s day: a private view into who it was and what it was up to.



Source_link

You might also like

Egypt, AU sign agreement to establish the headquarters of African Space Agency

Heat stress is rising in southern Africa – climate experts show where and when it’s worst

Binance Charity Announces 1000 African Scholars In Collaboration With Utiva – Cryptopolitan

Previous Post

Education remains part of South Africa's sore point, 28 years after democracy

Next Post

Canada’s Parliamentary Black Caucus enters new era

Involve Africa

Involve Africa

Related Posts

Egypt, AU sign agreement to establish the headquarters of African Space Agency
Technology

Egypt, AU sign agreement to establish the headquarters of African Space Agency

by Involve Africa
January 28, 2023
Heat stress is rising in southern Africa – climate experts show where and when it’s worst
Technology

Heat stress is rising in southern Africa – climate experts show where and when it’s worst

by Involve Africa
January 28, 2023
Binance Charity Announces 1000 African Scholars In Collaboration With Utiva – Cryptopolitan
Technology

Binance Charity Announces 1000 African Scholars In Collaboration With Utiva – Cryptopolitan

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
Artificial intelligence in South Africa comes with special dilemmas – plus the usual risks
Technology

Artificial intelligence in South Africa comes with special dilemmas – plus the usual risks

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
Supporting The African Education Community To Achieve Its Goals
Technology

Supporting The African Education Community To Achieve Its Goals

by Involve Africa
January 27, 2023
Next Post
Canada’s Parliamentary Black Caucus enters new era

Canada’s Parliamentary Black Caucus enters new era

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Social media reacts to beef between Ghana’s Big Ivy and Nigeria’s Mummy Dolarz

Social media reacts to beef between Ghana’s Big Ivy and Nigeria’s Mummy Dolarz

July 30, 2022
Nigeria: Passengers Stranded, Flights Disrupted, As Union Shuts Down Lagos Airport

Nigeria: Passengers Stranded, Flights Disrupted, As Union Shuts Down Lagos Airport

November 2, 2022

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Don't miss it

Sergey Lavrov to Choose between Illusions and Reality for Africa
Food & Agriculture

Sergey Lavrov to Choose between Illusions and Reality for Africa

January 28, 2023
Black Cowboys Ride into History at the African American Museum in Dallas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
All African News

Black Cowboys Ride into History at the African American Museum in Dallas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

January 28, 2023
Core Scientific files motion to sell over $6M in Bitmain coupons
Crypto News

Core Scientific files motion to sell over $6M in Bitmain coupons

January 28, 2023
Yaa Pono drags Sarkodie in his new song “Yard”(WATCH)
Entertainment News

Yaa Pono drags Sarkodie in his new song “Yard”(WATCH)

January 28, 2023
Bottomline Africa: Reproductive Health Bill
News Videos

Bottomline Africa: Reproductive Health Bill

January 28, 2023
How To Report 2022 Mega Backdoor Roth In H&R Block (Updated)
Finance

How To Report 2022 Mega Backdoor Roth In H&R Block (Updated)

January 28, 2023

Social Bar

Welcome to involve Africa The goal of involve Africa is to give you the absolute best news sources for any topic! Our topics are carefully curated and constantly updated as we know the web moves fast so we try to as well.

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Recent News

Sergey Lavrov to Choose between Illusions and Reality for Africa

Sergey Lavrov to Choose between Illusions and Reality for Africa

January 28, 2023
Black Cowboys Ride into History at the African American Museum in Dallas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Black Cowboys Ride into History at the African American Museum in Dallas – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

January 28, 2023

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT