Paleontologists in South Korea have uncovered a fascinating story from fossilized footprints over 106 million years old. This discovery reveals a dramatic scene: a large pterosaur chasing a smaller animal.
The smaller creature was spotted first, moving slowly before suddenly sprinting away. The pterosaur, with its distinct large footprints, was hot on its heels, running on all fours. We don’t know how the encounter ended, but it’s likely the smaller creature faced danger.
Researchers noted that while tracks alone don’t prove predation, the size and context suggest a chase. They’ve named the pterosaur Jinjuichnus procerus, combining the region of discovery, Jinju, with a Latin term meaning “elongated,” which references the pterosaur’s unique handprints.
Though this pterosaur seems to belong to a group called neoazhdarchians, it doesn’t perfectly match any known species. It hints at how some pterosaurs might have hunted on land, possibly using a “terrestrial stalking” strategy to chase small animals like salamanders or lizards.
Interestingly, research suggests that pterosaurs could move surprisingly fast on land. The estimated speed of J. procerus was about 2.9 kilometers (or 1.8 miles) per hour. Experts believe these flying reptiles used their time on the ground to forage for food, much like modern-day storks.
While the exact interaction between the two creatures is still debated, the evidence points to a thrilling chase that offers insight into the behaviors of these ancient animals. Fossil footprints can reveal much about past interactions and ecological dynamics. This discovery highlights how valuable such findings can be in understanding the lives of creatures long gone.
For more details on this research, you can read the study published in Scientific Reports here.
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