scratchings

Scratchings are marks or abrasions made on a surface by repeated friction, often caused by the claws or nails of an animal or by a tool. In the context of wildlife, scratchings can serve as territorial markers or communication signals. Animals like bears, cats, and dogs often leave scratchings on trees or posts to advertise their presence, scent, or to condition their claws. These marks can indicate the species, size, and even the dominance of the animal that made them.

Archaeologists and paleontologists study scratchings on rocks or artifacts to understand past activities. For instance, ancient tool marks can reveal manufacturing techniques, while fossilized scratchings on bone might suggest how early humans or other animals processed carcasses. In forensic science, scratchings on a crime scene can provide crucial evidence, such as the type of weapon used or the direction of impact.

In everyday language, "scratchings" can also refer to faint lines or marks made on paper, wood, or other materials, often unintentionally or as a preliminary sketch. These might be accidental marks from a sharp object or deliberate scribbles. The term generally implies a shallow and often irregular indentation or disfigurement of a surface.