Coprolites

Welcome to our online coprolite (kah·pro·lite) exhibition, where you'll embark on a fascinating journey through a pile of specimens in our extensive collection. Our mission is to ignite your curiosity and passion for this intriguing topic, inspiring you to delve deeper into the world of coprolites.

Derived from the Greek words Kopros Lithos, meaning "dung stone," coprolites are fossilized feces from animals. Composed primarily of phosphates, calcium, silicates, and a small amount of organic matter, these unique relics offer direct insights into the diets, behaviors, and environments of prehistoric creatures. Remarkably, coprolites can be found on every continent on earth, existing in various shapes and sizes.

Many coprolites are notable for their inclusions, which consist of small fossilized fragments of the animal's consumed food or materials. These inclusions may include bone, scales, fins, teeth, claws, plant fragments, parasites, cell structures, and even traces of muscle tissue.

Identifying the prehistoric animal responsible for a coprolite can prove challenging. However, many coprolites bear striking resemblances to modern feces, enabling scientists and fossil enthusiasts to identify specimens from a diverse range of creatures, including tyrannosaurids, crocodilians, sharks, fish, termites, shrimp, and even humans. Interestingly, coprolites do not emit a foul odor like their modern counterparts; instead, they possess an earthy scent akin to rocks.

Click on the photos or "Learn More" to explore our galleries. Visit our world famous museum and gift shop in Williams, Arizona, to see these coprolites and many more!