Explore the Fascinating World of Coprolites & Dinosaur Poop
Coprolites With Inclusions
Inclusions are solid foreign objects encased in a mass. The most common coprolite inclusions are bones, scales, teeth, and plant fragments. This gallery features coprolites from various geographical areas with inclusions. If you want to see a modern day example of feces with inclusions - eat some corn and peanuts.
Coprolites With Teeth
This gallery features coprolites from various geographical areas with mostly shark-teeth inclusions.
Coprolites With Bite Marks
These amazing fossilized turds are from South Carolina, USA and are believed to be from ancient crocodilians. The impressions on the first six coprolites are similar to the bite marks of garfish. The seventh coprolite has triangular impressions similar to the bite marks of sharks. The bite marks on coprolites 4-7 contain a temporary yellow filling to help make the impressions stand out.
Coprolites in Matrix
Matrix is the sedimentary rock or mass that that has formed around fossilized feces or other organisms.
Coprolites From Wyoming
These well preserved coprolites were dumped approximately 50 million years ago in an ancient lake that existed in what is now southwest Wyoming. The unusual chemistry of the freshwater lake prevented quick decomposition and scavenging. Limestone sediments other organic material covered the turds, and other critters that met their demise, to create one of the best fossil sites in the world. They are from the Green River Formation of the Eocene epoch.
Coprolites From South Carolina
Some of the finest coprolite specimens in the world come from the river beds and coasts of South Carolina. Fossil hunters use scuba equipment and weights to sink to the bottom of the murky rivers. Once on the river floor they use metal rods or screwdrivers to search the sediment for fossils. Paleontologists believe the majority of these coprolites were created by some type of ancient crocodilian. This theory is based on the overall appearance, shape, and lack of large inclusions. Crocodilians have extremely acidic digestive systems to break down the bones and scales of their prey.
Coprolites From Florida
The majority of these Florida beauties are from the Pleistocene Epoch. All of these specimens are fossilized, even though they may look fresh and smelly.
Coprolites From Morocco
These coprolites were discovered in the Moroccan deserts of northern Africa. They are from the Cretaceous period.
