Hold onto your 🧢: A set of teeny-tiny dinosaur footprints, some as small as your thumbnail, has been uncovered in northwest China! Discovered in Gansu Province’s Linxia Global Geopark, these 1–3 cm tracks—dating back to the Cretaceous period—are giving scientists fresh clues about how dinosaurs evolved into birds. 🌿
The prints were spotted after heavy rain eroded a rocky surface, revealing what experts call a ‘miniature marvel.’ Xing Lida, a paleontologist at China University of Geosciences, says these tracks (similar to ones found in Sichuan, Shandong, and the Republic of Korea) show small dinos were thriving across Asia. Talk about a Jurassic Park vibe! 🦖
But why does this matter? These footprints aren’t just cute—they’re a big deal for understanding dinosaur miniaturization, a critical step in the evolution of modern birds. Plus, the ripple marks and waterbird tracks nearby suggest these little dinos hung out near lakes or rivers. Chill lifestyle, right? 🌊
Over 2,000 dino tracks have been found in Linxia since the ’90s, turning the area into a paleontology hotspot. Museum curator You Wenze says protecting these sites boosts both science and tourism. Who knew fossils could be this trendy? 🎒✨
