The researchers also developed clearer guidelines to distinguish genuine tooth marks from damage caused by disease, weathering, insects or other natural processes. Separating real bite marks from lookalikesOne of the study's main goals was to avoid falsely identifying tooth marks. Scientists explained that diseases, natural holes in bones, insect damage, erosion and weathering can all create features that resemble bite marks. "The study of tooth marks on fossil bones is important because it provides valuable insights into animal behavior and interactions between species," the authors wrote. They added: "Correctly identifying bone depressions and perforations is important because not all of these features are tooth marks.