Abstract
Vertebrate tracks are subject to a wide distribution of morphological types. A single trackmaker may be associated with a range of tracks reflecting individual pedal anatomy and behavioural kinematics mediated through substrate properties which may vary both in space and time. Accordingly, the same trackmaker can leave substantially different morphotypes something which must be considered in creating ichnotaxa. In modern practice this is often captured by the collection of a series of 3D track models. We introduce two concepts to help integrate these 3D models into ichnological analysis procedures. The mediotype is based on the idea of using statistically-generated three-dimensional track models (median or mean) of the type specimens to create a composite track to support formal recognition of a ichno type. A representative track (mean and/or median) is created from a set of individual reference tracks or from multiple examples from one or more trackways. In contrast, stat-tracks refer to other digitally generated tracks which may explore variance. For example, they are useful in: understanding the preservation variability of a given track sample; identifying characteristics or unusual track features; or simply as a quantitative comparison tool. Both concepts assist in making ichnotaxonomical interpretations and we argue that they should become part of the standard procedure when instituting new ichnotaxa. As three-dimensional models start to become a standard in publications on vertebrate ichnology, the mediotype and stat-track concepts have the potential to help guiding a revolution in the study of vertebrate ichnology and ichnotaxonomy.
Highlights
IntroductionThis paper uses a combination of dinosaur and human tracks to explore an emerging tool in ichnology, namely the use of statistics-based virtual tracks (e.g., mean or median tracks) to explore morphological variability (i.e., departures from typical or average morphology), and its potential role in ichnotaxonomy
This paper uses a combination of dinosaur and human tracks to explore an emerging tool in ichnology, namely the use of statistics-based virtual tracks to explore morphological variability, and its potential role in ichnotaxonomy
Even though such tracks are imprinted by completely different trackmakers and in very different geological time periods, both are biogenic sedimentary structures that represent the dynamic interaction of a foot with the substrate properties at the time of formation (Padian & Olsen, 1984; Marty, Strasser & Meyer, 2009; Falkingham, 2014)
Summary
This paper uses a combination of dinosaur and human tracks to explore an emerging tool in ichnology, namely the use of statistics-based virtual tracks (e.g., mean or median tracks) to explore morphological variability (i.e., departures from typical or average morphology), and its potential role in ichnotaxonomy. Even though such tracks are imprinted by completely different trackmakers and in very different geological time periods, both are biogenic sedimentary structures that represent the dynamic interaction of a foot (morphology + kinematics) with the substrate properties at the time of formation (Padian & Olsen, 1984; Marty, Strasser & Meyer, 2009; Falkingham, 2014). Key features of a dinosaur track, such as the digit (phalangeal) pads and claw impressions for example may not be preserved in one single track (e.g., Razzolini et al, 2017), but different features may be preserved in several different tracks along the length of a trackway, or across a given ichnocoenosis Understanding this variability lies at the heart of many ichnological studies, especially when identification of the trackmaker is very complicated and speculative
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
