Exciting news for all dino enthusiasts! A set of five fossilized small dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period has been discovered in northwest China's Gansu Province. These footprints are believed to be among the smallest known dinosaur tracks in the world, measuring just one to three centimeters in length.
The discovery was made by dedicated workers from a dinosaur museum in the Linxia Global Geopark in the Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Linxia. After continuous rainfall in early August, the footprints were unearthed on a weathered rock surface, sparking excitement among paleontologists and young explorers alike.
Associate Professor Xing Lida from the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) highlighted that similar tiny footprints were first found in the Sichuan Basin, later in Shandong Province, and even in the Republic of Korea. This latest find in Linxia suggests that these small dinosaurs had a broader distribution during the Cretaceous period, offering valuable insights into dinosaur diversity and the geological history of the region.
The scientific value of this discovery is immense. Xing emphasized that these miniature footprints provide a new perspective on dinosaur miniaturization, which is a crucial step toward the evolution of birds. Since the late 1990s, over 2,000 dinosaur footprints have been found in Linxia's Yongjing County, making it a hotspot for paleontological research.
Curator You Wenze shared that the continuous discoveries, supported by strengthened protection measures in the geopark and surrounding areas, have not only expanded the dinosaur footprint cluster but also boosted the cultural and tourism appeal of the region. 🏞️
The footprints indicate that these tiny dinosaurs were not fast movers. Xing explained that the clear ripple marks on the rock surface suggest they were active near water, alongside many waterbird footprints. This combination paints a vivid picture of their daily lives and their interaction with the environment.
Stay tuned for more prehistoric adventures and discoveries right here on NewspaperAmigo.com! 🌍💬✨
