Scientists Say Some Carnivorous Dinosaurs Could Paddle Long Distances
Posted on April 22, 2013
Researchers have determined that carnivorous dinosaurs could paddle over long distances. University of Alberta paleontologist Scott Persons led an international team of researchers in the swimming-dinosaur study, which was conducted in China's Szechuan Province.
The researchers discovered unusual claw marks that cover a distance of 15 meters (50 feet). The researchers say this is evidence the dinosaurs could swim using coordinated leg movements. Persons says the tracks were made by a carnivorous theropod dinosaur that stood about one meter at the hip. The exact dinosaur cannot be determined based on the claw scratch marks alone, but Persons suspects it was an early tyrannosaur or a Sinocalliopteryx.
Persons said in a statement, "What we have are scratches left by the tips of a two-legged dinosaur's feet. The dinosaur's claw marks show it was swimming along in this river and just its tiptoes were touching bottom."
The research was published in the journal Chinese Science Bulletin.