A groundbreaking discovery has revealed a fascinating chapter in Earth’s history, showcasing the interconnectedness of continents millions of years ago. Scientists have unearthed over 260 dinosaur footprints in both Brazil and Cameroon, two regions now separated by over 6,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean. These footprints, dating back to the Early Cretaceous Period, offer compelling evidence that dinosaurs once roamed a shared path in Africa and South America before these continents drifted apart.
The footprints, remarkably similar in age, shape, and geologic background, were found in areas that were once part of Gondwana, a supercontinent that split from Pangea. According to paleontologist Louis L. Jacobs, who led the study published by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, the footprints indicate that dinosaurs traversed a narrow link between Africa and South America, a connection that existed before the continents began to separate around 140 million years ago.
The majority of the footprints were left by three-toed theropod dinosaurs, while a smaller number were attributed to four-legged sauropods or ornithischians. These discoveries provide valuable insights into how shifting landmasses shaped the environment and facilitated the movement of dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous.
As the tectonic plates shifted, cracks formed in the Earth’s crust, leading to the creation of the South Atlantic Ocean. Molten rock from below the Earth’s surface rose and solidified, creating new crust on the ocean floor. This process gradually widened the gap between Africa and South America, effectively severing the connection that once existed.
While dinosaur fossils provide crucial information about ancient creatures, footprints offer unique insights into their behavior. The preserved tracks showcase how dinosaurs moved, the groups they traveled with, the environments they inhabited, and the direction they took. This remarkable evidence adds another layer to our understanding of these prehistoric giants and their fascinating journey through time.
