413 Jurassic theropod footprints reveal bird-like dinosaur behaviors in China

A new study has uncovered 413 early Jurassic theropod footprints in Sichuan, China. These tracks provide fresh insights into the behaviour and movement of ancient dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on their possible connection to modern birds. The footprints were found in the Sichuan Basin, which was far larger during the Jurassic period than today. Back then, the basin floor was flat, with varied environments that supported dinosaur life.

Most of the prints are classified as Grallator, averaging 14.5 cm in length. Some larger footprints, identified as Eubrontes, measure up to 22.5 cm. Rare tail drag marks, between 20 and 40 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide, were also discovered alongside the tracks.

The theropods appeared to use a 'ground-running' gait, moving at speeds of 5.8 to 8.6 km/h. Their footprints reveal complex movement patterns and behaviours resembling those of modern birds. This supports the idea that they may have had bird-like locomotor abilities. The findings offer evidence for the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and avian locomotion. The study highlights how these ancient creatures moved and behaved. It also reinforces the significance of the Sichuan Basin in understanding early dinosaur activity.