Dinosaur footprints dating back to 166 million years ago have been discovered in Oxfordshire, England. At least 200 footprints were found at Dewars Farm Quarry, and scientists believe they belong to two different species of dinosaurs – sauropods and Megalosaurs.
The largest sauropod tracks are estimated to be around 18 meters long, similar to elephant tracks but much bigger. The team used 3D models created from photos taken at the site to study the footprints carefully.
“This is one of the most impressive track sites I’ve ever seen,” said Prof. Kirsty Edgar, a micro paleontologist from Birmingham University. “You can go back to the past and get an idea of what these great creatures are like.”
The team found five sets of dinosaur tracks in total, with two species represented – sauropods and Megalosaurs. Sauropods are plant-eating dinosaurs that walk on four feet, while Megalosaurs are agile hunters who walk on two feet.
“We can learn various things about how animals move,” said Prof. Richard, a paleobiologist from Birmingham University. “You can learn what the environment of where they live is like. So, the trail gives us a completely different set of information that you can’t get from the fossil record of the bone.”
The discovery is believed to be related to other dinosaur footprints found at nearby mines in the area. The team studied the footprints carefully, taking over 20,000 photos to create detailed models.
“We need to preserve these tracks for future generations,” said Dr. Susannah Maidment, a paleontologist from the Natural History Museum. “They give us insight into the way that extinct animals live and their behavior.”
The Oxfordshire discovery is significant, as it provides valuable information about the environment and ecosystem of the area during the Middle Jurassic Age. The team plans to work with local authorities and companies to preserve the site for future generations.
Source: https://voi.id/en/news/455376