Researchers found traces of sauropods in the courtyard of the restaurant. The age of the find is about 100 million years. The discovery is reported by USA Today with reference to scientists from the Chinese University of Earth Sciences.
Paleontologists found traces of two sauropods on several stones in the courtyard of a restaurant in Leshan, Sichuan province. These large four-legged herbivorous lizards were widespread during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Unusual footprints on the stones were discovered by one of the restaurant’s visitors. He is fond of paleontology, so he immediately contacted professional scientists from the Chinese University of Earth Sciences, who confirmed the discovery.
Previously, a farm was located on the territory of this restaurant. Paleontologists believe that a layer of dirt and soil protected the stones with traces of fossil animals from destruction. Scientists used a 3D scanner to confirm the find. Its preliminary age is about 100 million years.
Traces of sauropods in the courtyard of the restaurant. Photo: Lida Xing
The sauropod group includes several large herbivorous species, many of which have become popular due to popular culture. This group includes, for example, Diplodocus, Brontosaurus and brachiosaurus. The researchers have not yet identified which particular dinosaur the footprints belonged to. But, judging by the size of the footprint, scientists believe that it was at least 8 m in length.
The researchers note that active construction in China has made the study of fossils a difficult task for paleontologists, so finds like this are extremely rare. Currently, scientists have restricted access to the find and will continue the study.