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Dinosaur locomotion from a new trackway
Julia J Day1, David B Norman, Paul Upchurch
1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK. jday00@esc.cam.ac.uk
Nature
|February 2, 2002
Summary
Researchers found unique Middle Jurassic dinosaur tracks in Oxfordshire, UK. These dual-gauge theropod trackways show large dinosaurs could run using different leg postures for walking and running.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Biomechanics
- Vertebrate Zoology
Background:
- Ardley Quarry, Oxfordshire, hosts extensive dinosaur trackways.
- Middle Jurassic theropod locomotion is incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a unique dual-gauge trackway from Ardley Quarry.
- To infer locomotion capabilities and hindlimb postures of Middle Jurassic theropods.
Main Methods:
- Excavation and analysis of dinosaur trackways.
- Biomechanical interpretation of trackway morphology.
Main Results:
- Discovery of a unique dual-gauge trackway from a bipedal theropod.
- Evidence suggests large theropods could run.
- Trackways indicate distinct hindlimb postures for walking versus running.
Conclusions:
- Large Middle Jurassic theropods possessed running capabilities.
- Theropod locomotion involved adaptable hindlimb postures.
- Findings advance understanding of theropod biomechanics and evolutionary gait.
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