200 Dinosaur Footprints Found in UK's Largest Trackway Site

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Construction worker Gary Johnson spotted unusual bumps spanning 150 meters at Dewars Farm Quarry, leading to Britain's largest dinosaur trackway discovery.

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Scientists identified footprints from 6-9 meter long Cetiosaurus and Megalosaurus species, preserved in limestone from a 166-million-year-old tropical lagoon.

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Over 200 footprints reveal ancient movement patterns, including an intersection where the plant-eating Cetiosaurus crossed paths with its predator Megalosaurus.

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Research teams documented the prehistoric site with 20,000 photographs and created detailed 3D models during summer 2024's extensive field study.

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The Megalosaurus left distinctive three-toed prints described by Dr. Emma Nicholls as appearing almost like a caricature of a dinosaur footprint.

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Professor Richard Butler explains how these tracks provide behavioral insights that can't be obtained from bone fossils alone.

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Scientists theorize a storm event might have buried the tracks with sediments, explaining their preservation quality.

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This discovery expands upon 40 sets of footprints found in the 1990s, offering fresh research opportunities with modern technology.

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Natural England collaborates with quarry operators to preserve the historical site, with potential for additional trackways in unexplored areas.

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