Huge footprints of a bipedal dinosaur were found in Moldova. Photo
In Moldova, scientists have found large footprints of a bipedal dinosaur. This footprint, measuring 92 cm in width, belongs to a Hadrosaurus.
They also discovered a 24-meter-long track consisting of 13 fossilized footprints, each measuring 85 cm wide, as well as numerous other fossilized prints. This discovery indicates that one of the largest bipeds on the planet lived in Mongolia, which raises hopes for the discovery of similarly massive skeletal remains, Phys.org writes.
The joint study, conducted by Okayama University of Science (OUS) and the Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, uncovered one of the largest Hadrosaurus footprints ever found, experts say.
A field photo taken by a joint expedition team from Okayama University of Science and the Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Okayama University of Science
According to the researchers, since dinosaur tracks had already been found in the western part of the Gobi Desert in 2018, the researchers decided to continue excavations here a few years later.
As a result, a team of experts discovered new prints of extinct footprints, including the three largest hadrosaurs' tracks ever found and a continuous path of 13 fossilized prints over 24 meters.
The Hadrosaurus is a genus of bird-like duck-billed dinosaurs that lived in the Late Cretaceous period.
Source: Okayama University of Science
"The identification of the 14 tracks, including one found in 2018, allows us to analyze the posture, walking style, speed, and group behavior of the dinosaurs – details that cannot be deduced from skeletal fossils," said Shinobu Ishigaki, director of the OUS Dinosaur Research Museum and excavation leader.
Scientists have found a number of large dinosaur footprints.
Source: Okayama University of Science
Until now, the largest known Hadrosaurus skeleton belonged to a Shantungosaurus discovered in Shandong Province, China. However, recent discoveries in Mongolia suggest that similarly massive skeletal remains may be found elsewhere.
"Our next goal is to discover the complete skeleton of the dinosaur," said Shinobu Ishigaki.
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