Reliability of digit length impression as a character of tetrapod ichnotaxobase: considerations from the Carboniferous-Permian ichnogenusIchniotherium

摘要: Although the relative length of digit impressions is often adopted as a binding character in ichnotaxa discrimination and trackmaker identification, it cannot be considered unequivocally operative. The reliability this has been evaluated by means principal component analysis on several well-preserved footprints (both manus pes) referred to Ichniotherium sphaerodactylum from Early Permian Tambach Formation (Thuringia, Germany). reveals substantial variability impression (especially manus), relativizing validity IV diagnostic practised different ichnological studies. Regarding use such character, results clearly suggest need preliminarily conduct explorative whole available material order detect which most consistent an ichnotaxonomical standpoint, thus avoiding arbitrary selection. Such preliminary should provide better control splitting/lumping, particularly case allied footprints, can also valuable tool, if associated functionality analysis, improving refining identification. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.