北京小学生发现！亚洲首例侏罗纪中期两栖动物足迹化石现身

Core Insights - The discovery of the first Jurassic amphibian footprint fossils in Asia fills a significant gap in the research of Jurassic amphibian traces in China and Asia, providing valuable evidence for understanding the paleogeography, paleoecology, and biodiversity of North China approximately 160 million years ago [1][7]. Group 1: Discovery and Significance - The fossil was discovered in the Mentougou District of Beijing, which has unique geological conditions that preserve rich fossil records [3]. - The initial discovery was made by a primary school student, Ni Jingchen, who found a rock slab with distinct footprints while exploring with his parents [3][5]. - This finding is significant as it marks the first scientific description of amphibian footprints in the Jurassic strata of Asia, previously dominated by records of dinosaur and turtle footprints [7]. Group 2: Fossil Characteristics - The fossil consists of two footprints preserved on the same rock slab, with one clear footprint measuring 1.5 cm in length and 1.3 cm in width, indicating a small-sized animal [5][6]. - The second footprint is less distinct, showing signs of five toes, measuring approximately 1.1 cm in length and 1.4 cm in width, with a broad heel area [5][6]. Group 3: Research Methodology - The research team utilized photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to create high-precision digital models of the fossils, allowing for detailed morphological analysis [5][6]. - The footprints are believed to belong to the same animal, likely an early salamander-like amphibian, based on their relative size, spacing, and alignment [6]. Group 4: Ecological Context - The rock layer containing the fossils is part of the important coal-bearing strata known as the Yaopo Formation, which also contains plant fossils such as fronds [7]. - The discovery indicates that during the Middle Jurassic period, small amphibians adapted to terrestrial life existed in the lake-swamp environments of Beijing, coexisting with a diverse array of ferns, ginkgos, and cycads [7].