Ancient Footprints Reveal a High-Stakes Chase in Cretaceous Korea
Researchers have uncovered a remarkable fossil trackway in South Korea, capturing a dramatic moment from over 106 million years ago: a small vertebrate changing direction and speed, hotly pursued by a much larger pterosaur.
The tracks, preserved in a slab of rock, tell a story of a possible prehistoric predation event. The smaller prints belong to an unidentified amphibian or reptile—likely a salamander, lizard, or crocodilian. The larger, more imposing tracks belong to a previously unknown species of pterosaur, which scientists have named Jinjuichnus procerus.
"The convergence of evidence suggests a possible predation event, though other explanations cannot be ruled out."
The key details of the chase are etched in stone. The smaller animal's tracks show a clear change in direction and an increase in speed, suggesting a frantic attempt to escape. The pterosaur's trackway follows directly behind, maintaining a steady pace.
Researchers calculated the pterosaur's speed at approximately 2.9 km/h (1.8 mph). While not a high-speed sprint, this deliberate, following pace aligns with a persistent predator on the hunt.
The study, which provides a rare glimpse into the behavior of ancient creatures, was published in the journal Scientific Reports. It highlights how fossil footprints can offer unique insights into interactions that skeletal fossils alone cannot provide.