IchnoDB: structure and importance of an ichnology database

Abstract The design of a relational database for ichnological data is presented to illustrate and address deficiencies in present-day palaeontological databases. Currently, palaeontology databases apply concepts and terminology derived from the study of body fossils to trace fossil records. We suggest that fundamental differences between body and trace fossils make this practice inappropriate. These differences stem from the fact that trace fossils represent the behaviour of the tracemaker, and not the phylogenetic affinities of an organism. This database, referred to as IchnoDB, has been tested by the authors throughout the design process to ensure that recommended alterations to current palaeontology databases made herein are functional. In describing the design and logic that underpins an ichnology database, it is our desire to see established palaeontological databases incorporate ichnology specific fields into their structure. This would support and encourage future research, involving the use of large ichnological datasets.