Discover Evidence: How Giant Creatures Roamed Alongside Dinosaurs!

New research reveals that some of the largest flying animals, like the pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus, actually spent much of their time on the ground. A team at the University of Leicester studied the tracks of these creatures, which had wingspans of up to 10 meters (32 feet). Their findings suggest that about 160 million years ago, Quetzalcoatlus began spending more time on land, continuing until their extinction alongside the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

These footprints provide a window into their behavior, something fossil bones can’t do alone. Pterosaurs were not dinosaurs but shared the Earth with them, evolving on a different path. By using 3D modeling and detailed comparisons of skeletons, researchers matched specific tracks to Quetzalcoatlus and two other groups of pterosaurs.

Robert Smyth, a doctoral researcher, emphasized the unique insights footprints offer. He noted, “Footprints allow us to study pterosaurs in their natural habitats. They inform us about where these creatures lived and how they interacted with their ecosystems.”

Interestingly, Quetzalcoatlus tracks have been found globally, both in coastal and inland areas. This evidence suggests they roamed the ground extensively while also ruling the skies. In addition, another group of pterosaurs, called ctenochasmatoids, primarily left tracks near coastal areas. Their long jaws and needle-like teeth indicate they thrived in muddy waters, catching small fish and other floating prey.

Tracks attributed to dsungaripterids, another pterosaur group, show these animals had powerful limbs and curved beaks adapted for prying open prey, showcasing their unique feeding strategies.

Smyth pointed out that tracking is often underestimated in pterosaur studies. “Examining footprints reveals much about their movement, behavior, and interactions. We gain insights into their biology and ecology that are hard to find elsewhere.”

This research aligns with a broader trend in paleontology where studying trace fossils—like footprints—is becoming increasingly important for understanding ancient animal behavior. A recent survey by the Paleontological Society indicated a growing interest in paleo-trace studies. Experts believe these findings could change how we view these prehistoric creatures and their environments.

For more on paleontological studies and the significance of footprint evidence, check out research published by the National Academy of Sciences.

Source link