Petrified imprints of a dinosaur's footprints are called:A) Index fossilsB) Fossil fuelsC) Trace fossilsD) Step fossils

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify the definitions of the given options related to fossils.
2. Determine which option fits the description of petrified imprints of dinosaur footprints.

Relevant Concepts

1. Index Fossils: These are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only lived for a short period, helping to date the layers of rock in which they are found.
2. Fossil Fuels: These are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms, typically used as energy resources (like coal, oil, and natural gas).
3. Trace Fossils: These are geological records of biological activity (such as footprints, burrows, and feces) left by organisms.
4. Step Fossils: This term is not widely recognized in paleontology and doesn’t typically refer to specific fossil types.

Analysis and Detail

• The key phrase in the question is "petrified imprints of a dinosaur's footprints." This suggests a physical trace left by the dinosaur, rather than an actual bone or body part.
• According to the definitions, trace fossils specifically record the activities of organisms, such as movement, feeding, or dwelling behaviors. Footprints fall under this category, as they provide evidence of the presence and behavior of the dinosaur.

Verify and Summarize

• Option A (Index fossils) does not refer to footprints but rather to specific organisms used for dating rock strata.
• Option B (Fossil fuels) is unrelated to fossils in the paleontological sense but refers to energy resources.
• Option C (Trace fossils) accurately describes footprints, as they signify the activity of dinosaurs.
• Option D (Step fossils) is not a valid term in paleo-discussions.

Final Answer

The correct answer is C) Trace fossils.