Scientists were able to uncover a collection of fascinating dinosaur footprints in Scotland that could reveal crucial information about the living environment and behaviors of these ancient colossal creatures.

This particular period called the Middle Jurassic is also teeming with rich evolutionary changes, however, scientists find it challenging to obtain data and evidence such as fossils from this time, throughout the planet. The most common evidence from this era are usually sparse numbers of teeth and bone fragments.

Like Us on Facebook

Now, scientists have discovered the largest dinosaur fossil site in the Isle of Skye, containing footprints and handprints originating from Middle Jurassic, measuring up to 28 inches in diameter.

According to lead author of the study Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh, this is one of the most amazing Jurassic discoveries in the world.

These dino footprints apparently belong to sauropods which are plant eating dinosaurs that lived some 170 million years ago. Sauropods also have long necks and tails where these dinosaurs are recognized for their colossal size.

Brusatte says that the sauropods that once lived in the Isle of Skye have not been classified yet, but they are estimated to stand 50 feet tall and weighed 15 to 20 tons. Researchers then examined and analyzed these footprints, revealing that these sauropods are also close cousins of the famous brontosaurus and the diplodocus genus.

Prior research about sauropods suggested how these creatures used to dwell in swamplands since their massive size cannot be supported on land. This theory as debunked in the 1970s when scientists figured out that this species are well adapted to land, from fossilized skeletal evidence.

This new data from Scotland also suggests that these sauropods spent some considerable, significant amount of time underwater even if they are not considered as swimmers or sole water inhabitants. 

Scientists are still trying to determine why these sauropods lived in the water however Brusatte says that the lagoon is also considered to be a good source of food or could even serve as protection for the species. This new study is published in the Scottish Journal of Geology. 

Tagsdinosaur footprints, dinosaur disco footprints, dinosaur footprints scotland, sauropods, dinosaur footprints isle of skye, middle jurassic era, Dinosaurs, Scotland, isle of skye