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Trace Fossils

Trace Fossils. Environmental Science Animal Forensics Unit. Trace Fossils. Temporary animal signs (anything that only lasts a short time, but is a clue the animal was there Footprints Blood trail Nests Scat/spoor/droppings Cut vegetation Burrows Fur left behind Scratches on trees.

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Trace Fossils

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  1. Trace Fossils Environmental Science Animal Forensics Unit

  2. Trace Fossils • Temporary animal signs (anything that only lasts a short time, but is a clue the animal was there • Footprints • Blood trail • Nests • Scat/spoor/droppings • Cut vegetation • Burrows • Fur left behind • Scratches on trees

  3. Trace Fossils • What is a track? • Usually refers to a footprint • Can also be a mark left on the ground from: • Tail, wing, hand, snake slither, etc. • People leave other unique tracks • Tire tracks, skis, snowmobile, etc.

  4. Trace Fossils • Why are tracks important? • Can help scientists follow a suspect or victim • Animal prints can tell give us a lot of information: • Species • Age • Gender • Direction • Time of day • A series of tracks shows even more: • Speed, health, behavior

  5. Trace Fossils • Not all fossils are equal • If DNA is present • Points to an individual • If there is no DNA • Can still point to a group • Narrow down list of suspects

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