100-Million-Year-Old Pterosaur Chase Found in South Korea
A high-stakes survival drama from the Cretaceous period has been found frozen in time. An international research team has discovered the first-ever direct evidence of a pterosaur hunting a small animal on land, according to a study published April 16 in Scientific Reports.
The fossilized footprints, found in the Jinju Formation in South Korea, reveal a new pterosaur species named Jinjuichnus procerus. The site captured a terrifying moment from 106.5 million years ago: a large pterosaur stalking a small four-legged creature, likely a lizard or salamander.
By analyzing the tracks, researchers found that the small prey suddenly swerved at a 25-degree angle and increased its stride, a clear sign of panic. Following close behind, the pterosaur maintained a brisk pace of 0.8 meters per second. Because the footprints are preserved at the same depth and quality, scientists believe this chase happened within seconds of each other.
This discovery is a major breakthrough for paleontology. For years, experts hypothesized that pterosaurs of the neoazhdarchian group were “terrestrial stalkers” that hunted on the ground like modern-day storks. However, this theory was based only on bone shapes. The Jinju fossils provide the first ichnological proof that these flying reptiles were indeed efficient land predators.
“This is the first evidence showing a pterosaur interacting with and hunting a vertebrate on the ground,” the research team stated, highlighting the find’s immense academic value. For those wanting to see the “crime scene” for themselves, the tracks are now on display at the Jinju Pterosaur Tracks Museum.
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1. What evidence shows pterosaurs hunted prey on land in study?
2. Where were the fossilized footprints of pterosaur discovered recently?
3. How did the prey react during the pterosaur chase event?
4. Why is this discovery considered a breakthrough in paleontology research?
1. Do you find fossil discoveries useful for understanding ancient ecosystems?
2. Why is scientific evidence important in supporting new theories?
3. Would you like to study ancient animals as a scientist?
4. How do discoveries change our understanding of prehistoric life?
A high-stakes survival drama from the Cretaceous period has been found frozen in time. An international research team has discovered the first-ever direct evidence of a pterosaur hunting a small animal on land, according to a study published April 16 in Scientific Reports.
