Novel track morphotypes from new tracksites indicate increased Middle Jurassic dinosaur diversity on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

摘要: Dinosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic are rare globally, but Isle of Skye (Scotland, UK) preserves a varied dinosaur record abundant trace and body this time. Here we describe two new tracksites Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers' Point) near where first footprint in Scotland was found 1980s. These sites were formed subaerially exposed mudstones Lealt Shale Formation Great Estuarine Group dynamic, subtropical, coastal margin. preserve wide variety track types, including novel morphotype for Skye: Deltapodus which has probable stegosaur trackmaker. Additionally, tridactyl tracks shows evidence multiple theropods different sizes possibly hints at presence large-bodied ornithopods. Overall, show fauna is more diverse than previously recognized give insight into early evolution major groups whose fossil records currently sparse.