Question

What type(s) of fossil remains is/are studied in ichnology?

• A. Fishes and amphibians
• B. Spores and pollens
• C. Tracks and trails
• D. Burrows and bioturbation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C, D

The question asks about which types of fossil remains are studied within the branch of geology known as ichnology.

Ichnology is specifically the study of trace fossils, which are geological records of biological activity. These are not the direct remains of organisms, such as bones or shells, but rather the evidence of their activity. The primary types of trace fossils are:

• Tracks and Trails: These are imprints left by animals as they moved across soft sediments, which later hardened into rock.
• Burrows and Bioturbation: Burrows are tunnels or holes excavated by animals, while bioturbation refers to the disturbance of sedimentary deposits by living organisms.

Given this, the correct answer is:

• Tracks and trails
• Burrows and bioturbation

The other options do not relate to ichnology:

• Fishes and amphibians: These are direct body fossils and fall under paleontology but not ichnology.
• Spores and pollens: These are studied in palynology, a different branch of paleontology that deals with microscopic plant remains.

In conclusion, ichnology is concerned primarily with analyzing physical evidence of an organism’s behavior, such as tracks, trails, burrows, and bioturbation, rather than the remains of the organism itself.