Debate Rages over 'Oldest Dinosaur' Find in Germany

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HistoryUpdated Oct 10, 2008 1:28 PM by Faith-Science News…

A scientist in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt believes he has uncovered tracks from the world's oldest dinosaur. But the footprints at the center of the find have sparked a major debate among scientists.

Purported dinosaur tracks in Bernburg, Germany: Are the evolutionary "missing link" between reptiles of the Paleozoic era and the later, lithe dinosaurs?

A massive creature tromped its way across an expansive limestone marsh. Horseshoe crabs scurried in its wake, and a reptile similar to a crocodile crossed its path. Weighing between 600 and 800 kilograms (1,760 pounds), the creature left impressive footprints in the limestone deposit. Shifting sand then covered the tracks. The creature's rear foot measured a large 35 centimeters (14 inches).

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Spiegel Online
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