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Researchers measure the fossilized dinosaur footprints in the Otog Dinosaur Trace National Nature Reserve. /China Media Group
A total of 53 fossilized dinosaur footprints dating back to about 120 million years ago were discovered in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local authorities.
The continuous footprints were found in the Otog Dinosaur Trace National Nature Reserve during the researchers' rescue excavation work.
The distinguishable footprints, with the biggest measuring 43 centimeters long, varied in depths from 1 to 3 centimeters.
The newly discovered dinosaur footprints. /China Media Group
The area used to be a wetland with lakes and luxuriant plants in the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs lived there, said local researcher Zhang Lifu.
The 53 newly discovered footprints were left by carnivorous dinosaurs, said Zhang.
Located in the city of Ordos, the Otog Dinosaur Trace National Nature Reserve is the only national nature reserve in China featuring dinosaur traces, covering an area of 46,410 hectares.
Nearly 10,000 traces of more than 10 types left by dinosaurs were discovered there, as well as fossils of paleovertebrates, fish, turtles, crocodiles, invertebrates, etc.
Dang Zhanping, an official with the western Ordos national nature reserve management authority, said that they are doing protection work for the fossils.
The discovery will be significant for better understanding the dinosaurs' features, such as their walking posture, speed and size, as well as conservation measures for such fossils.
(With input from Xinhua.)
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466