A footprint is an impression made by a foot on a surface. Many animals leave footprints as they walk, run, or jump.Footprints can also be left by objects such as stones, toys, or tools. If an object leaves marks on the ground when it is moved, it is said to leave a “trail.”
The study of footprints and trails is called ichnology. Ichnologists look for patterns in the placement of footprints and other marks to learn about the behavior of the animal that made them. For example, ichnologists can learn how fast an animal was moving and what direction it was going.
Ichnology can also be used to study human behavior. For example, police officers may use footprints to track down a suspect. Archaeologists may use footprints to learn about ancient peoples and how they lived.
Footprints are often preserved in soft mud or snow. When the mud or snow dries out, the shape of the footprint is left behind in the dried mud or snow. Over time, wind and rain can wear away at these dried-out footprints until they are no longer visible. However, sometimes footprints are preserved in stone when the wet mud or snow around them turns into rock before it has a chance to dry out completely