Stat-tracks and mediotypes: powerful tools for modern ichnology based on 3D models

PeerJ

article

Matteo Belvedere¹  Matthew R. Bennett²  Daniel Marty¹  Marcin Budka²  Sally C. Reynolds²  Rashid Bakirov² 

[1] Section d’Archéologie et Paléontologie, Paléontologie A16, Office de la Culture;Institute for Studies in Landscape and Human Evolution, Faculty of Science and Tecnology, Bournemouth University

关键词: Mediotype;    Stat-track;    Vertebrate ichnology;    Digital ichnology;    Ichnotaxonomy;    Digital reconstruction;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.4247

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY