By Adam Kelliher
Yes, we sell fossil poop. Yes, it's one of the best sellers for school groups. And no, it doesn't smell. Let's get the giggles out of the way and talk about why scientists actually care.
What a coprolite is
Coprolites are fossilised faeces of animals that lived millions of years ago. They're trace fossils, meaning they record something the animal did rather than the animal's body.[1]
What's inside counts
- Bone fragments mean a meat-eater, and tooth marks on those fragments can show how it ate.[1]
- Seeds, leaves, pollen or bark mean a plant-eater, and identifying the plants also tells you what grew nearby.[1]
- A spiral shape may point to a shark or other fish, since some living fish have spiral intestines.[1]
What it can't tell you
Pinning a coprolite to one exact species is hard. Body fossils usually aren't found in the same spot, so the label "dinosaur poop" is often a best guess based on age, size and location.[1] I'd rather tell you that up front.
A bit of history
Mary Anning, the famous Lyme Regis collector of the early 1800s, was among the first to look inside these stones and see fish scales and bone. William Buckland then confirmed they were fossil faeces.[1]
Our Jurassic coprolites are a fun way into trace fossils. If you want the bigger picture, read our post on body fossils, trace fossils, and molds and casts.
See what's new: browse our newest arrivals for the latest pieces added to the shop.
Sources
- Natural History Museum, London. What is a coprolite?
- American Museum of Natural History, OLogy. Coprolite.