Paleontologists found an extraordinary dinosaur footprint measuring 92 centimeters in width, attributed to a Saurolophus, a herbivore known for its pointed lizard crest projecting from the top of its skull. The find, reported by GEO France, offers new insights into the size and behavior of these ancient creatures and suggests the existence of dinosaurs of colossal proportions, potentially larger than the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.
The researchers discovered a continuous trail of 13 fossilized footprints, each measuring 85 centimeters in width, extending over several meters. According to GEO France, this site, located in the western part of the Gobi Desert, is recognized as an important place for fossilized footprints of large hadrosaurids (Hadrosauridae).
"The analysis of these trackways allows us to explore details of posture, gait, speed, and group behavior," said Dr. Shinobu Ishigaki, head of the research team from Okayama University of Science, as quoted by GEO France. "These are aspects that cannot be inferred from skeletal fossils alone."
Saurolophus angustirostris, the species attributed to these tracks, typically measured 12 meters in length and weighed between 2 and 3 tons. However, the size of the largest footprint suggests that this particular individual may have exceeded 15 meters in length, raising the possibility that the Saurolophus responsible for these footprints was larger than previously known specimens and even larger than predators like the Tyrannosaurus rex or Tarbosaurus.
Until now, the largest known hadrosaurid skeleton belonged to Shantungosaurus, discovered in Shandong province, China, which reached 16 meters in length. The potential of discovering equally imposing skeletal remains in Mongolia interests paleontologists.
The Gobi Desert's environment during the Mesozoic era was vastly different from today's arid landscape. The region consisted of swamps, prairies, and mixed forests, offering an ideal habitat for many species of dinosaurs. The humid conditions and soft soils, such as mud, clay, and wet sand, favored the preservation of dinosaur footprints and remains. Dinosaur tracks and remains were protected from decomposition and scavengers because they were buried quickly in these sediments.
Saurolophus angustirostris was a herbivore that exhibited both bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion. This dual capability would have been advantageous for survival, allowing flexibility in movement depending on the situation. Like many hadrosaurids, Saurolophus possessed a wide, flat beak and probably lived in herds to protect itself from carnivores and facilitate the search for food.
The discovery team, including specialists from Okayama University of Science in Japan and the Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, considers the location crucial for further paleontological research. "The next objective of our research team is to discover the complete skeleton of the large Saurolophus," Dr. Ishigaki stated.
The discovery was reported by Focus Online, Lenta, and Scienze Notizie, among other outlets.