ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

20th century in ichnology

Ichnology is the study of footprints, tracks, and other trace fossils left by animals. During the 20th century, scientists made many exciting discoveries and advancements in the field of ichnology.

They found and analyzed footprints from extinct animals, like dinosaurs, and learned more about how they moved and interacted with their environment. They also studied footprints from modern animals to understand their behavior and habitats.

Scientists also developed new techniques for studying footprints, such as photogrammetry, which uses photos to create 3D models of tracks. They used these techniques to learn more about how animals moved and how footprints formed.

Additionally, researchers discovered new types of trace fossils, such as burrows and nests, which provided insight into the behavior and lifestyles of different animals.

Overall, the 20th century was a crucial time for understanding the secrets of the past and present left in the footprints of animals.