Abstract

ABSTRACT A newly discovered dinosaur tracksite in the Middle Jurassic Xietan Formation of the Zigui Basin, is the first reported from Hubei Province, China. Access to the site is difficult due to the steep inclination (~60°) of the track-bearing beds. The tracks are poorly preserved and occur in a fragmented mudstone substrate. However, it is possible to identify a sauropod trackway and isolated tridactyl (theropod) tracks, suggesting a saurischian dominated ichnofauna. The preserved sauropod trackway falls into the range of a typical wide gauge sequence and, together with the overall shape of the imprints and low heteropody, points to the ichnogenus Brontopodus. The tracks are of relatively small size and can possibly be attributed to juveniles of a large species or, alternatively, to adults of a small species of eusauropods. The tridactyl tracks are incomplete and cannot be assigned to a distinct ichnotaxon with certainty.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.