A remarkable discovery has been made, shedding light on a long-forgotten piece of history! An ancient dinosaur footprint, believed to be over 230 million years old, has been identified after spending over six decades in a palaeontologist's personal collection.
Imagine a time before the bustling suburb of Albion in Brisbane, when a vast sandstone quarry lay untouched, waiting to reveal its prehistoric secrets. This is where our story begins.
Professor Bruce Runnegar, a renowned palaeontologist, first explored this site as a young boy, guided by his grandfather's love for plant fossils. Little did he know, a significant find awaited him in 1958.
"As a high school student at Brisbane Grammar, my friends and I stumbled upon this fossil during our senior year. It's been a cherished part of my collection ever since," Professor Runnegar reminisced.
For over six decades, the fossilized dinosaur footprint traveled with Professor Runnegar, serving as an educational tool for students worldwide. "I've always believed in the power of tangible fossils to enhance learning. That's why I carried this one with me wherever I went," he explained.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the fossil's journey didn't end there. In 2021, Professor Runnegar reached out to Dr. Anthony Romilio, a fellow palaeontologist from the University of Queensland's dinosaur lab, to verify the specimen's identity.
"Learning about Professor Runnegar's teenage discovery and how he carried it throughout his career, sharing it with students globally, it's no surprise he held onto it for so long," Dr. Romilio commented.
And this is the part most people miss: the process of identifying the dinosaur behind the footprint.
Dr. Romilio utilized specialized software to create a 3D map of the fossil, which helped determine the dinosaur's species. "When I examined the features, I knew we had something special. I was thrilled!" he exclaimed.
Professor Runnegar and Dr. Romilio's research, published today, reveals that the footprint belonged to a dinosaur known as a sauropodomorph. "Think of those long-necked dinosaurs like the brachiosaurus, but this one is even older, an ancestral form," Dr. Romilio explained.
"It had a long neck, but not as majestic as the brachiosaurus, and it walked on two hind legs. Quite the unique creature!" he added.
The paper also concluded that this dinosaur, which roamed Brisbane millions of years ago, weighed around 144 kilograms and could run at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
Living during the Carnian period, some 230 million years ago, Dr. Romilio believes this dinosaur trace fossil could be the oldest of its kind in Australia.
"This discovery fills a gap in Australia's geological history. It's an incredible puzzle piece," he said.
But there's more to uncover! Professor Runnegar donated the fossil to the Queensland Museum, where it will be added to the University of Queensland's collection for further research and education.
"There's still so much we don't know about dinosaurs in Queensland. It's an exciting time for research," said Kristen Spring, Senior Collection Manager of Geosciences at the Queensland Museum.
"Studying dinosaurs gives us insights into past climates and environments, which can help us predict future changes. It's a fascinating journey!"
Professor Runnegar, now 85, reflected on his unexpected path to palaeontology and geology. "I almost missed out on this career! I remember being told I needed a robust physique and a love for the outdoors, which I lacked. But here I am!"
Despite the development of the quarry site, Professor Runnegar believes more fossils await discovery in Brisbane. "There's undoubtedly more to uncover."
Dr. Romilio agrees, pointing out that sandstone buildings across Brisbane, like the iconic General Post Office, are made from the same material as the fossil's origin. "I often wonder if there are more dinosaur footprints hidden within these buildings. It's an exciting thought!"
This discovery not only adds to our understanding of prehistoric life but also sparks curiosity about what else lies hidden beneath our feet. What other secrets might Brisbane's sandstone reveal?
What are your thoughts on this fascinating find? Do you think there's more to uncover in Brisbane's geological history? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
