In a fascinating discovery, a set of five fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period has been uncovered in Gansu Province, northwest China. These diminutive tracks, measuring just one to three centimeters in length, are believed to be among the smallest dinosaur footprints ever found globally.
The footprints were discovered by workers from a dinosaur museum within the Linxia Global Geopark in the Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Linxia. Continuous rainfall in early August revealed the footprints on a weathered rock surface, sparking excitement among paleontologists and enthusiasts alike.
Associate Professor Xing Lida from the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) highlighted that similar small footprints were previously found in the Sichuan Basin, Shandong Province, and the Republic of Korea. This latest find in Linxia suggests that these miniature dinosaurs had a broader geographical distribution during the Cretaceous period, offering new insights into their biostratigraphy, geological ages, and diversity.
The discovery holds significant scientific value, according to Xing, as it provides a fresh perspective on dinosaur miniaturization—a crucial step in the evolution of birds. Since the late 1990s, over 2,000 dinosaur footprints have been identified in Yongjing County, part of the geopark known as the \"Liujiaxia dinosaur footprint cluster.\"
Curator You Wenze emphasized that ongoing discoveries, supported by enhanced protection measures in the geopark and surrounding areas, have not only expanded the footprint cluster but also greatly boosted the region's cultural and tourism appeal.
Xing further explained that the new footprints indicate that these small dinosaurs were likely not fast-moving. \"The rock surface shows clear ripple marks, suggesting that the small dinosaurs were active near water. Additionally, many waterbird footprints were found alongside them, forming a typical combination consistent with findings in other regions,\" he said.
These footprints not only reveal the habits and behaviors of dinosaurs but also illuminate their interaction with the environment, providing a deeper understanding of their lives millions of years ago.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
