In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford have unearthed a treasure trove of dinosaur footprints in an Oxfordshire quarry. The astonishing find has revealed a “dinosaur highway” dating back an impressive 166 million years.
The team of researchers stumbled upon nearly 200 footprints, buried under mud, which have provided a unique glimpse into the lives of these prehistoric creatures. What makes this discovery even more remarkable is the presence of continuous tracks, rather than isolated footprints, which have been dubbed as a “dinosaur highway.”
Five trackways were uncovered, with the longest continuous track measuring over 150 meters in length. The footprints were made by long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs, known as sauropods, which are believed to be Cetiosaurus, a cousin of the Diplodocus. Another trackway is thought to have been created by the carnivorous Megalosaurus.
This extraordinary find is set to provide valuable insights into the behavior, size, and interactions of these ancient creatures. According to Dr. Duncan Murdock, an earth scientist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, “The preservation is so detailed that we can see how the mud was deformed as the dinosaurs’ feet squelched in and out.”
The researchers are eager to continue studying the site, which is considered an important part of the UK’s national Earth heritage. Professor Richard Butler, professor of palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham, noted, “Our 3D models will allow researchers to continue to study and make accessible this fascinating piece of our past for generations to come.”
