[Animals] They discover a trail of prehistoric footprints in England, fossilized 8,000 years ago

[-𝓣𝓐𝓚𝓘]

The prehistoric footprint trail sheds light on an ancient 'passage route' for animals and early humans alike, who lived in the Ice Age.
It happened in the south of Great Britain. A team of paleontologists has discovered a trail of prehistoric footprints, shedding light on the flow of early animals and humans through the region thousands of years ago. Despite the fact that, for centuries, the ground was covered by waves, researchers from the University of Manchester found the impressions in large blocks of mud, still attached to the floor.

According to the preliminary dating of the footprints —today converted into fossils—, the trips of these species ventured up to 3 kilometers over the same natural corridor in what is now Formby, in the south of England. Researchers think that when the glaciers melted towards the end of the Ice Age, sea levels rose. These were the consequences.

Also read: What do we know about the Venus of Willendorf: the enigmatic prehistoric figurine of fertility

When the glaciers disappeared
For millennia, species became accustomed to roaming across continental masses with the same terrestrial arrangement. However, when the glaciers disappeared, early humans and other species were forced to dwell inland. It was thus, scientists assume, that this ancient trail of prehistoric footprints was formed.

The centers of human and animal activity were modified by climate change 8,500 years ago, explains Live Science. Evidence of this was recorded in the old trail of prehistoric footprints, since the impression of the legs of different species can be clearly seen.

According to the study, recently published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, there are traces of animals that lived in the Mesolithic period, also known as the Stone Age (from 476 AD to 1450 AD). It was not the only thing they found.

Primitive humans, extinct animals and prehistoric trees
Birch, trade wind and prehistoric fir seeds were trapped in the mud layers. So far, there are estimated to be at least 36 stacked layers of 'well-preserved' evidence, as described in the study. In addition, there are traces of footprints of the following species:

Uros (an extinct species of bovine)
Deer
Boars
Wolves
lynxes
cranes
The tracks retain this quality because, at some point, they were filled with sand. Over time, a 'protective' layer of mud helped preserve them even better. Although the outer layer is more vulnerable to erosion, what was trapped inside was perfectly preserved.

For Alison Burns, lead researcher on the study, the traces of this prehistoric trail tell a story. Particularly the oldest:

"IT WAS A HUMAN FOOTPRINT THAT MOVED FOUR OR FIVE STEPS AND THEN THE PERSON STOPPED," BURNS DETAILED IN A COMMUNICATION.

Nearby, they found evidence of bird tracks. Most likely, this person had been hunting birds, or exploring the terrain for something to eat. For the specialist, this strip of mud is like an "incredible snapshot of the past".

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/encuentran-un-sendero-de-huellas-prehistoricas-en-inglaterra/