Claudia Steffensen's accidental discovery of ancient animal tracks in the Italian Alps led to the identification of a 280 million-year-old ecosystem pre-dating the dinosaurs.
These prints were preserved in 'impressive' detail, revealing features down to fingernails and belly skin, highlighting the remarkable conditions that aided fossilization.
Paleontologists found hundreds of fossilized footprints from ancient reptiles, amphibians, and insects, some measuring between six to twelve feet, depicting a vibrant prehistoric life.
The ancient ecosystem's preservation resulted from its proximity to water and being trapped in fine-grained sandstone, allowing insights into the Permian period's biodiversity.
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