Dinosaur Tracks

by Tony Thulborn

Looking at the various tracks that dinosaurs left behind in the fossil record, this book documents their importance both from literature and the author's own research work. The way in which tracks are preserved and these tracks and their trackmakers are identified both in the field and in the laboratory is also discussed. Dinosaur tracks are of significance in the investigation of the biology of dinosaurs, giving information about their behaviour and distribution, their mode of locomotion and speed of gait. The author also documents the range of data available as well as outlining practical suggestions for future research. Interpretation of the fossil record is often difficult and a chapter is included discussing the pitfalls encountered due to anomalies in the record. Many specific examples are documented to illustrate the way in which tracks can be used to investigate dinosaurs. The book will be of interest to the professional paleaontologist and geologist as well as the zoologist, evolutionary biologist and those interested in biomechanics, but because of the style in which it is written it may also be of interest to the non-expert.

Hardcover

First published June 30, 1990

Reviews

[Dr Susan Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Richard Anthony Thulborn, known as Tony, (1944-2025), born in London, emigrated to Australia in 1974, my friend since 1968 and husband, British geologist, vertebrate palaeontologist and international expert on dinosaur tracks very sadly died on July 22nd in Brisbane. This book written in the 1980s was the culmination of nearly 3 decades of his scientific work since his Ph.D. at University College, London. It is stiil the go-to work on the subject, based on his extensive field work and analysis particularly including his joint work with Dr Mary Wade on Lark Quarry, Winton in Queensland, the only known dinosaur stampede, now a national treasure, as he should havebeen. Interesting that Springer took it on because I don't think he ever got royalties from them.