Discovered rare dinosaur footprints 170 million years ago

The discovery of rare footprints from prehistoric times in Scotland reveals new information about the Jurassic era.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have just published a new discovery on dinosaur footprints in the Scottish Geological Journal on April 2. They excavated 50 dinosaur footprints from 170 million years ago at the island of Skye , northwestern Scotland.

In the muddy lagoon of Brother's Point, scientists find the footprints of two dinosaurs - the long-necked sauropod dinosaur and the therapeutic dinosaur theropod that have relatives with Tyrannosaurus Rex tyrants.

Footprints of long-necked dinosaurs found in the island of Skye date back to 170 million years.(Photo: AFP).

The new discovery helps researchers draw a more complete picture of the life of prehistoric creatures. Steve Brusatte, co-author of the study, explained to CNN that a student discovered new traces in 2016 on a trip to Skye.

'We often go there to hunt for dinosaur footprints and leftover traces. When the tide recedes in the lagoon, we recognize new traces , 'he recounted. Scientists use camera aircraft to take pictures and map the area.

According to Mr. Brusatte, big car footprints are traces of long-necked dinosaurs. Scientists believe the creature weighs more than 10 tons and is 15 meters long. Meanwhile, the footprint of theropod beasts is about 50cm.

One of 50 dinosaur footprints was found at Skye Island.(Photo: Scottish Geological Review).

Mr. Brusatte said the footprints of the zooplankton in the lagoon are signs that carnivores may have lived around this area when they were not hunting.

"Every fossil found is a clue to ancient history," said the researcher, who said he needed to organize several trips to Skye Island to discover more about the behavior of the Jurassic dinosaur.