New discovery on Sky Island In Scotland an unusually detailed window revealed in The middle JurassicOften lack fossil records. Researchers have discovered a wide range of Dinosaurs paths On a distant Australian platform known as the name Prince Charles PointProviding a new insight into the behavior and habitats of dinosaurs that wandered what was once a semi -tropical lake more than 167 million years ago.
Before history, where the dinosaurs walked
Site features 131 dinosaurs tracks on the site Stained in layers of wavy sandstones from the formation of Kilmaluag, which dates back to The late Pathonian stage From the Middle Gusi. This family, part of A large group of calamitiesIt represents the previous lake system in a Delta non -marine environmentIt is characterized by shallow fresh water conditions.
According to the researchers published in Plos One magazineThe tracks appear in multiple sedimentary prospects, primarily in Family 2 and 5Which consist of granular sandstones. This family, which is now being exposed along the northwestern coast of the Sky Peninsula, was originally placed in a The submerged lake margin is shallowIt feeds intermittently with small rivers and is under the drying stages.
The surrounding environment, which was rebuilt through Microfossils and sediments, including Syphilis, giant frste, and ginkgosalong with Ostracodsand Fish fragmentsAnd the effects Gall pollen. It was significantly absent was the marine palynomorphs Permanent water personality From the lake.
Theopods takes the initiative in a sudden environmental system
What distinguishes this discovery is An extraordinary abundance of theroPod tracksExceeding the number of sauropod prints in preparing the lake – a pattern that is usually not noticed in other locations within the bone damage group. The tracks are attributed to two major styles: large Theopods Megalosaurid and the SAROROPODS which are either other than neosauropods early.
Among the most surprising discoveries TheroPOD imprint that intersects with the Sauropod pathSuggest a possible moment of chase or proximity between predators and prey. Like a fossil doctor Stephen Bruce “The effects of the feet of this period are very rare, but when we find it, it provides direct evidence of behavior.”
TheroPOD tracks up to up to up to 53 cm in lengthDistinctive triple impressions often appear with sharp unofficial signs. Some offer the classic Public Pad composition “2: 3: 4”, and reveals details about the anatomy of the foot and movement. In contrast, the Sauropod tracks are wider and more round, and often reach 50 cm wideIt reflects the heavy gait like Seesceurus.
Interestingly, previous investigative studies have offended the interpretation of some Sauropod paths such as Fish convenience burrowWhich confirms the importance of detailed morphological analysis. The identification of their corrected identity opens the possibility that similar structures in other places may also be made of dinosaurs, especially in similar environments.
Movement of time and time of classes
The tracks are preserved across at least two main parts of the site. In the first section, a group of 17 Theopod and 23 Sauropod paths is within an area of 92 square meters. Detailed photography analysis revealed that some feet were admired, and presented Time layers This helped researchers to conclude the relative timing.
For example, Theopod tracks a previous impression in Sauropod, indicating a passage within a short time window. These patterns indicate what scientists refer “Mediterranean milling behavior,” Where many dinosaurs have passed the same terrain for a long time.
Some paths are very detailed, while others wear or distort them by erosion of the tide, which contributes to a rich data set that picks up differences in maintaining the interaction between the portfolio, movement and sediments.
Laws of a step ranged on the site 2.3 to 3 metersWhich indicates moderate walking speeds. Estimates of hip and walking confirm that dinosaurs were walking instead of running, and guidance analyzes indicate that they are moving in different directions, and not confined to narrow paths.
Drones and digital maps bring old steps to life
To document the complexity of the site, the researchers used Unmanned air vehicles (drones) Equipped with high -resolution cameras, collecting more than 4,500 overlapping photos. This data has been processed using Photography software To generate a tight 3D modelsand Digital height mapsAnd Cantor mapsAllow the team to study the path of the path with unusual details.
Filming on the ground with DSLR cameras and handicraft cleaning techniques ensure accuracy for smaller or partially mysterious paths. The researchers classified each fingerprint with uniform identifiers and topped the morphological preservation based on the clarity of numbers and the details of the pillow.
Technology has enabled multiple distinction ShapesLike the “Morphotype-1A” for the large Tredactyl Theopod and “Morphotype-2” for SAROPODS. These categories help compare Skye paths with other Ichnotaxa that have been found globally, which enhances their scientific value.
As a major author Blixley toneAnd a graduate student in the science of excavation at Edinburgh University indicated that “the tracks offer a glimpse of how these dinosaurs are behaved and their interaction with their environment – the bones of the bones cannot be provided alone.”
The field work and digital modeling have been supported before Palalba teamWith funding from National Geographical Society and Philip Levroshmani Award It was granted to Bruce. The team also provided 3D data collections and their measurements are openly available through Dread databaseEnhancing more research and repetition.
