A boulder at a high school in central Queensland held the secret to one of Australia’s most valuable natural history treasures for over 20 years. Researchers have confirmed that the rock, originally from a nearby mine, contains an unprecedented number of dinosaur footprints.
University of Queensland paleontologist Anthony Romilio discovered 66 fossilized tracks of 47 individual dinosaurs, which were likely crossing a wet area in Early Jurassic period. The footprints belong to a small ichnospecies Anomoepus scambus, with legs measuring between six and 20 inches. Based on the tracks, Romilio estimates that the animals moved at a speed of less than four miles per hour.
The discovery provides valuable evidence for the presence, abundance, and behavior of ornithischian dinosaurs in the region. The boulder was found to have more dinosaur footprints when advanced 3D imaging and light filters were used to reveal hidden details. Other fossilized tracks were also discovered in the area, including two distinct footprints on a bookend rock.
The discovery highlights how significant fossils can be overlooked for years, even in plain sight. The boulder has been sitting in the school’s foyer since it was donated by the mine owner over 20 years ago. Romilio hopes that his findings will shed light on Australia’s dinosaur history and encourage further exploration of the country’s natural heritage.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a64187926/66-dinosaur-footprints