Brisbane Suburb Unearths Australia’s Oldest Dinosaur Fossil
Brisbane has recently gained remarkable recognition following the unearthing of Australia’s oldest dinosaur fossil. This discovery highlights the significance of the city, a bustling capital, in the field of paleontology.
Unearthing the Fossil in Albion
Located within the Brisbane suburb of Albion, the fossil was traced back to the region’s historical sandstone quarry. This site, now filled with suburban homes, played a crucial role in the study of dinosaurs.
Background of the Discovery
The fossilized footprint measures 18.5 centimeters and dates back 230 million years to the Late Triassic period. It was initially discovered by Bruce Runnegar, a notable paleontologist. As a student in July 1958, he suspected that he had stumbled upon something significant, wrapping up the fossil and preserving it for decades.
A Long Journey
Runnegar kept the fossil in his possession for over 60 years, taking it with him during his academic travels worldwide, including a lengthy stay at the University of California, Los Angeles. It wasn’t until 2021 that he contacted Dr. Anthony Romilio from the University of Queensland to have the fossil formally analyzed. With Runnegar’s collaboration, Romilio created a 3D model of the footprint, affirming its importance.
Significance of the Fossil
- Oldest Dinosaur Fossil: Confirmed as the oldest dinosaur fossil found in an Australian capital city.
- Species Identification: The footprint belonged to a small two-legged sauropodomorph, approximately 75 to 80 centimeters tall at the hip.
- Global Importance: Represents a significant discovery that illustrates how vital paleontological sites can remain unnoticed.
Connection to Brisbane’s History
The sandstone from the Albion quarry has historical relevance; buildings such as Brisbane’s heritage-listed GPO on Queen Street utilized this material. Unfortunately, urban development has rendered the original site inaccessible, but the fossil remains as a tangible link to the region’s prehistoric past.
Future Prospects
Runnegar has generously donated the fossil to the Queensland Museum, ensuring that it will be utilized for research and educational purposes. The discovery has been published in Alcheringa, An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, marking a significant milestone in Australian paleontology.
As conservation efforts continue and further studies are conducted, Brisbane’s oldest dinosaur fossil will not only educate future generations but also remind us of the city’s deep-rooted history, hidden beneath its modern facade.
