Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery at a school in central Queensland, Australia. A large rock containing dozens of dinosaur footprints was found to be one of the most densely concentrated tracks ever documented in the country. The 66 footprints from 47 individual dinosaurs were likely imprinted onto the boulder as they walked across a wet patch of clay during the Early Jurassic period, around 200 million years ago.
The footprints, which feature three toes, belong to an ichnospecies called Anomoepus scambus, small dinosaurs with legs between 6 inches and 20 inches. Analysis suggests that these dinosaurs were likely plant-eaters with long legs and a chunky body. Using advanced imaging techniques, scientists have revealed the hidden details in the footprints, providing an unprecedented snapshot of dinosaur abundance and behavior from this time period.
The discovery has shed new light on the movement and habits of small dinosaurs during the Early Jurassic period, a time when no fossilized bones had been found in Australia. The finding is considered significant, with paleontologist Anthony Romilio stating that it’s “incredible to think that a piece of history this rich was resting in a schoolyard all this time.”
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/dozens-dinosaur-footprints-found-australian-school-scientists/story?id=119754474