Trace Fossil

Trace fossil explained in an easy to understand way:

Trace Fossil Simple Definition
Trace Fossil Definition

Imagine walking on a sandy beach and leaving footprints behind as you stroll. This is similar to how trace fossils are formed when an organism leaves behind an imprint in soft sedimentary rock, like a footprint in the sand. Just as your footprints in the sand capture a moment of your journey along the beach, trace fossils capture a snapshot of an organism's activity, like walking or burrowing, preserved in the earth's geological record.

Practice Version

Trace Fossil Definition

Trace Fossil: A fossil formed in soft sedimentary rock, like a footprint, trace fossil. A trace fossil is evidence of an animal's activity, such as footprints or burrows, preserved in rocks.