Published: Jan. 1, 2023

The relationship between the Middle–Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota and Early Cretaceous Jehol has long been unresolved due to an approximately 20 Ma “vertebrate fossil gap” that exists these two biotas. However, a large number of dinosaur tracks have reported from Tuchengzi/Houcheng Formation in northern Hebei–western Liaoning, which occupies stratigraphic position Biota. These play crucial role enriching our knowledge terrestrial lagerstättes North China during Late Mesozoic. This paper presents new discoveries diverse track assemblages Jurassic–Early Houcheng Shangyi Basin, northwestern Hebei Province, China. Based on ichnological analysis, are assigned sauropod Parabrontopodus, theropod Grallator, Anchisauripus, Eubrontes, Therangospodus. were likely produced by small-sized feathered dinosaurs (Coelurosauria) thrived both findings imply evolved successively, without evidence complete turnover or extinction Sedimentological studies tracksites reveal their occurrence sedimentary environments, including braided fluvial sandbar, floodplain, deltaic plain. coexistence highly with various preservation environments indicates ecosystem time was functioning relatively normally. increased diversity upper part closely aligns intense volcanic activity Zhangjiakou Province. suggests served function proliferation fauna Basin earliest Cretaceous.

Language: Английский