Coprolites are the fossilised faeces of animals that lived millions of years ago. They are trace fossils, meaning not of the animal’s actual body.
By looking at the shape and size of coprolites, as well as where they were found, scientists can work out what kind of animal the droppings might have come from. Coprolites can also contain clues about an animal’s diet.
For example, a spiral-shaped coprolite may have been left by an ancient shark or another kind of fish. This is based on the knowledge that some modern fishes such as coelacanths and sharks have spiral-shaped intestines.
It is difficult to find out exactly what animal produced a now-coprolite, however, as fossils of the animal’s body are not usually found in the same places as the fossil faeces.
It is easier to tell whether the animal was an ancient meat-eater or a vegetarian.
Credit : Natural History Museum
Picture Credit : Google
