It wasn’t until 2017, when an international conference of trace fossil experts gathered in Taipei, Taiwan, that Löwemark and colleagues were able to compare notes.

This trace fossil analysis is the first evidence of birds and lizards in the area during those eras. It was assumed, but no body fossils of either had ever been found in the monument.

Researchers created 3D models of ancient tracks in Oregon’s John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The study revealed a glimpse of animal life 50 million years ago.

Trace fossils can fill in gaps in the fossil record, said Dr. Anthony Martin, professor of practice in the department of environmental sciences at Emory University in Atlanta.

Researchers created 3D models of ancient tracks in Oregon’s John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The study revealed a glimpse of animal life 50 million years ago.

This collection of trace fossils are between 29 to 50 million years old and give additional context to behavior of prehistoric birds, invertebrates, lizards, and mammals.

The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind ...

Fossilized footprints and tracks dating back 50 million years ago discovered at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument could provide new insight into how prehistoric animals lived in Oregon ...

Since 2008, the Cape South Coast Ichnology Project has been documenting vertebrate-made ichnosites (sites with trace fossils) along South Africa's Cape coasts.