Editing Trace fossil (section)

==Occurrence==
[[Image:MammothFootImpressions25.jpg|thumb|right|Cross-section of [[mammoth]] footprints at [[The Mammoth Site]], [[Hot Springs, South Dakota]]]]
Traces are better known in their fossilized form than in modern sediments.<ref name=Seilacher1967/> This makes it difficult to interpret some fossils by comparing them with modern traces, even though they may be extant or even common.<ref name=Seilacher1967/> The main difficulties in accessing extant burrows stem from finding them in consolidated sediment, and being able to access those formed in deeper water.

[[File:Coprolite with Distinct Vertebrate Bite Marks.jpg|thumb|This [[coprolite]] shows distinct top and bottom jaw bite marks, possibly from a prehistoric [[gar]] fish. Discovery location: [[South Carolina]], [[United States|US]]; age: [[Miocene]]; dimensions: {{convert|144.6|x|63.41|mm|in|abbr=on}}; weight: {{convert|558|g|lboz|abbr=on}}]]

Trace fossils are best preserved in sandstones;<ref name=Seilacher1967/> the grain size and depositional facies both contributing to the better preservation. They may also be found in shales and limestones.<ref name=Seilacher1967/>