Scientists have found possibly the largest dinosaur footprint ever uncovered, measuring at 42 inches long. This is so far the largest dinosaur footprint found to date; it is considered wider than a human torso.
Paleontologists from the Okayama University of Science in Japan and the Center of Paleontology under the Mongolian Academy of Sciences announced this remarkable discovery. This prehistoric footprint was reported found is cast in the sand in the Gobi desert in Mongolia. Scientists believe that it was most likely imprinted by a very large dinosaur, such as the Titanosaur.
A titanosaur can be described as possessing an unusually long neck. This colossal creature measures at around 90 feet across and 60 feet in height. The team of researchers has suggested that this herbivorous creature lived around 70 to 90 million years ago.
According to the team from Okayama University, this is considered to be a very rare discovery. The well-preserved fossilized dinosaur footprint also includes pristine details such as claw imprints.
Titanosaurs are named after powerful deities in Greek mythology known as Titans. But literally, it means titanic lizard. This dinosaur species also belonged to a group known as sauropods.
These massive creatures also possessed the longest neck among all the dinosaurs that walked the planet. Baby titanosaurs weigh as much as three to four kilograms during birth, and it can take up to 20 years for a baby to become a full grown adult.
Footprints belonging to titanosaurs have also been found in France and Morocco; revealing tell-tale signs of the dinosaurs' distinct nails and claws. Discoveries like these can provide better clues about the evolution of dinosaur feet, their migratory routes and the habitat.