Glossary
Proximal
Relating to, or located towards, the centre of the main body.
In the case of an appendage, such as a limb, this is towards the point of attachment to the main body.
In the case of an appendage, such as a limb, this is towards the point of attachment to the main body.
Track
Impression or indentation made on the substrate (ground) by a foot.
Central Line
An imaginary line along the direction of travel.
Trail
Series of traces made by, and left behind, by an organism.
This includes tracks and sign.
This includes tracks and sign.
Gait
The pattern of movement of animals during (terrestrial) locomotion.
Straddle
The width of a trail pattern.
This is conventionally measured from the lateral edge of a left track to the lateral edge of a right track, and at right angles to the central line.
Therefore, this is the broadest possible measurement of width of a trail.
This is conventionally measured from the lateral edge of a left track to the lateral edge of a right track, and at right angles to the central line.
Therefore, this is the broadest possible measurement of width of a trail.
Spoor
The series of traces made by, and left behind, by an organism.
This includes tracks and sign.
This should be contrasted with a track, which is an individual footprint.
This includes tracks and sign.
This should be contrasted with a track, which is an individual footprint.
Trackway
The marks or traces left by an organism (e.g. footprints, tail drags and belly drags).
Trail Pattern
The pattern of tracks. Together, individual footprints form a trail pattern.
A trail pattern, in some instances, may indicate the gait used by the organism that left footprints.
Different species have different gaits, and so leave different trail patterns.
A trail pattern, in some instances, may indicate the gait used by the organism that left footprints.
Different species have different gaits, and so leave different trail patterns.