ichnite

American  

[ik-nahyt] / ˈɪk naɪt /

Also ichnolite

noun

1. a fossil footprint.

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ichnite British  

/ ˈɪknəˌlaɪt, ˈɪknaɪt /

noun

1. a less common name for trace fossil

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Etymology

Origin of ichnite

First recorded in 1850–55; ichno- ( def. ) + -ite ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

An ichnite is a fossilized footprint or track of a prehistoric animal. It is a type of fossil that has recorded in stone the movement of an animal rather than its physical remains. The term ichnite comes from the Greek word ichnos meaning "footprint" or "track." The suffix -ite is commonly used in fossil names. Unlike a fossil made of mineralized bones or shells, an ichnite is a type of trace fossil — one that records an animal's presence or behavior. By studying ichnites, paleontologists can learn about an animal's gait, speed, and behaviors. Did it walk on two legs, or four? Based on the distance between its footprints, how fast did it move? Based on the number of ichnites found in the same place, did the animal travel alone or in herds?