Jinjuichnus procerus identified as new pterosaur genus from predatory chase footprints
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 24
Jinjuichnus procerus identified as new pterosaur genus from predatory chase footprints
10 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 24
Researchers in South Korea discovered 106-million-year-old fossil footprints in Jinju, revealing a large pterosaur, Jinjuichnus procerus, apparently pursuing a smaller animal, likely a salamander, lizard, or crocodilian.
The footprints show the smaller animal abruptly changed direction and speed as the pterosaur, moving at 2.9 km/h, followed closely behind, suggesting a predatory interaction.
This find supports theories that neoazhdarchian pterosaurs hunted terrestrially, providing rare behavioral evidence and highlighting the value of fossil footprints in reconstructing ancient animal interactions.
A 106-million-year-old hunt is frozen in stone, but did the pterosaur actually catch its prey?
How can scientists prove two animals interacted millions of years ago using only their fossilized footprints?
What does a pterosaur galloping on all fours reveal about the behavior of these giant flying reptiles?
Beyond bones, how do fossil footprints act as a prehistoric crime scene to uncover ancient secrets?
Why would a creature built for the sky choose to hunt by galloping on the ground?