For years, paleontologists wondered if dinosaurs ever roamed the Amazon. Finally, researchers from the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR) provided the answer by discovering over ten ancient dinosaur footprints in northern Brazil. These footprints date back more than 103 million years, marking a significant breakthrough.
The footprints were found in the Tacutu Basin near Bonfim, Roraima. This discovery is groundbreaking because fossils are incredibly challenging to find in this region due to its dense rainforest and harsh weather.
Normally, the Amazon’s environment—heavy rain, heat, and erosion—destroys fossil evidence. In fact, as noted by CNN Brazil, fossils are best preserved in stable rock layers, which are rare in this area.
Lucas Barros, a researcher, explains that Tacutu had various river channels, with plenty of water and vegetation. This environment may have helped the footprints stay intact. He noted, “When an animal makes a footprint in a damp area, it loses moisture and hardens. This protects it during burial.”
While they can’t yet identify the exact species that left these prints, researchers have seen tracks from different types of dinosaurs, including raptors and herbivores known as ornithopods. The variety suggests a rich ecosystem once thrived in the Amazon.
Technology’s Role in Discovery
The footprints, initially spotted in 2014, didn’t lead to immediate discoveries. The research team lacked the necessary expertise back then. It wasn’t until 2021, with Barros leading the charge, that they revisited the project.
By using photogrammetry—creating detailed 3D models from high-resolution images—they mapped the footprints accurately, capturing every detail. This process allowed for a better understanding of the footprints, revealing new aspects that hadn’t been noticed before.
According to Professor Vladimir Souza, who worked alongside Barros, this technology was vital. He stated, “Digitizing the model lets us describe the footprints accurately.”
Future Exploration
Despite the excitement around this discovery, challenges remain. Much of the land where these footprints are found is privately owned. Landowners are often hesitant to permit further research, limiting access to valuable sites. Barros believes there might be hundreds more footprints waiting to be uncovered and is keen to study other areas, including the Jabuti Indigenous Land, where new promising sites have been discovered.
The Bigger Picture
This discovery not only sheds light on the Amazon’s prehistoric past but also highlights the role of technology in paleontological studies. As science progresses, such methods can transform how we understand ancient ecosystems.
Recent studies suggest that dinosaur diversity was much greater than previously thought, showing that these ancient creatures adapted to varying environments, including lush forests like the Amazon (source: National Geographic). This reflects a rich history that researchers continue to unravel.
In a world increasingly attuned to historical insights, the finding of dinosaur footprints in the Amazon sparks excitement and curiosity about what other secrets the past may hold.
