Stratigraphic and geographic distribution of dinosaur tracks in the UK

Abstract

Dinosaur tracks are a key means of determining the palaeoecology and distribution of dinosaurs through time. They provide a highly complementary information source to the body (skeletal) fossil record but differ in preserving direct evidence of animals’ interactions with their environment. The UK has a rich history of ∼200 yrs of dinosaur track discovery but no recent synthesis exists. Here, we present a new dataset of dinosaur tracks in the UK. This dataset shows a close correlation between the distribution of terrestrial sediments and the preservation of dinosaur tracks through the Mesozoic, providing discrete snapshots into dinosaur communities in the Upper Triassic, Middle Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. The dinosaur track record shows similar broad patterns of diversity and relative abundance of the major dinosaur groups (Theropoda, Sauropodomorpha, Ornithopoda, and Thyreophora) through time to the body fossil record, although differs in that body fossils are found (albeit infrequently) in marine sediments. There is a broad trend towards higher numbers of track occurrences through time and a notable increase in the relative abundance of ornithopod tracks following the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. The track record remains an underutilised resource with the potential to provide a much fuller view of Mesozoic dinosaur ecosystems. Supplementary material: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6606634

Sauropod dinosaur tracks from the Purbeck Group (Early Cretaceous) of Spyway Quarry, Dorset, UK

“…The body fossil record of sauropodomorphs in the UK is relatively poor with limited taxonomic diversity (e.g. [10][11][12]), probably as a result of the limited availability of fossiliferous terrestrial sediments in the intervals of peak sauropodomorph diversity during the Jurassic [6]. Likewise, sauropodomorph tracks are rare in the UK, comprising only 16% of occurrences.…”

“…[ 5 ]). Close to 300 distinct dinosaur track occurrences have been documented from the UK, each representing a track morphotype at a particular horizon and locality [ 6 ], although in situ dinosaur trackways (as opposed to isolated and often ex situ tracks) are rare in the UK, with approximately 14 key localities currently accessible [ 6 ].…”

“…Likewise, sauropodomorph tracks are rare in the UK, comprising only 16% of occurrences. The UK dinosaur track record is instead dominated by tridactyl (three-toed) tracks produced by theropods or ornithopods, comprising approximately 75% of all known occurrences [ 6 ].…”

“…Minor modifications are made to the map presented in Edgar et al[6]: the position of a second trace fossil interpreted as formed by wood is marked by a grey cross in addition to the long linear feature in the centre of the map marked in grey, and the tracks that we tentatively describe as manus are indicated by 'm' . Of the two tracks labelled as track 49 in Edgar et al[6], an error propagated from Wright et al[18], the northernmost has been identified based on the description in Wright et al[18] and relabelled as track 44. Tracks 115−138 identified in Edgar et al[6] are now shown in blue.…”

“…Of the two tracks labelled as track 49 in Edgar et al[6], an error propagated from Wright et al[18], the northernmost has been identified based on the description in Wright et al[18] and relabelled as track 44. Tracks 115−138 identified in Edgar et al[6] are now shown in blue.…”