Footprints of dinosaurs strolling on the beach found in Germany

Germany may not be the first place one thinks of when it comes to strolling on the beach, but two carnivorous dinosaurs were discovered to have walked along a sandy stretch there.

Researchers came upon and excavated their fossilized footprints between 2009 and 2011.

An examination of the preserved ground revealed much about the dinos.

Based on the sizes of the prints, it's believed the prehistoric duo was comprised of an adult and a smaller creature.

Both are believed to have been members of the Megalosauripus species, and lived roughly 140 million years ago.

Variations observed in the marks left by the more modestly sized one, including leg crossing and changes in walking pace, have been attributed to a number of potential causes.

Among them are strong winds and stopping to get a bite to eat.

They could also indicate that the smaller was an offspring of the larger, and was trying to keep up.

The scientists note that if the two were on a family outing, it could suggest that dinosaurs of their kind were much more social than currently believed.

Also possible is that the two visited the area on separate occasions, perhaps years apart.

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