Coprolites

Welcome to our online coprolite (kah·pro·lite) exhibition, where you’ll embark on a fascinating journey through one of the world’s most extensive collections of fossilized feces. Whether you're a seasoned fossil enthusiast or simply curious, our mission is to ignite your interest in coprolites and inspire you to explore the science behind these remarkable prehistoric remains.

What Are Coprolites?

Derived from the Greek words kopros lithos, meaning "dung stone," a coprolite is the fossilized feces of ancient animals. These rare and scientifically valuable fossils are composed primarily of phosphates, calcium, silicates, and a small amount of organic material. Unlike ordinary rocks, coprolites offer direct insights into the diets, behaviors, and environments of long-extinct creatures.

Global Distribution and Unique Features

Coprolites have been discovered on every continent and exist in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are spiral, some are lumpy, and others are nearly indistinguishable from modern feces. What makes many coprolite fossils truly special are their inclusions, which are tiny fossilized fragments of what the animal once ate. These may include crushed bones, fish scales, fins, teeth, claws, plant material, parasites, muscle tissue, or even microscopic cell structures.

Coprolite Origins

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.

Explore our galleries below to view specimens from our vast coprolite collection and learn how to identify coprolites.

How to Identify a Coprolite

Largest Coprolite in The World

Learn how to identify coprolites, dinosaur poop, and fossilized feces using these guidelines.

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Largest Coprolite in The World

"Barnum" the T. rex dinosaur poop was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest coprolite by a carnivore in 2020.

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Coprolites With Inclusions

Largest Coprolite in The World

Coprolites With Inclusions

This exhibit features coprolites with inclusions. The most common coprolite inclusions are bones, scales, teeth, and plant fragments.

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Coprolites With Teeth

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites With Inclusions

This exhibit features coprolites from various geographical areas with teeth inclusions.

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Coprolites With Bite Marks

This exhibit features coprolites with distinct bite marks or feeding traces.

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Coprolites in Matrix

Coprolites With Bite Marks

This exhibit features coprolites in matrix - the sedimentary rock or mass that that has formed around fossilized feces.

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Coprolites From Wyoming

Coprolites From South Carolina

This exhibit features coprolites from the State of Wyoming, USA.

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Coprolites From South Carolina

This exhibit features coprolites from the State of South Carolina, USA.

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Coprolites From Florida

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From Florida

This exhibit features coprolites from the State of Florida, USA.

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Coprolites From Morocco

Coprolites From Florida

This exhibit features coprolites from the Moroccan deserts of northern Africa.

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Coprolite Medley

Coprolites From Morocco

Coprolite Medley

This exhibit features miscellaneous coprolites from all over the world.

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World Famous Dinosaur Poop Museum & Gift Shop

Coprolites

How to Identify a Coprolite

Largest Coprolite in The World

Largest Coprolite in The World

Largest Coprolite in The World

Largest Coprolite in The World

Largest Coprolite in The World

Coprolites With Inclusions

Largest Coprolite in The World

Coprolites With Inclusions

Coprolites With Teeth

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites With Inclusions

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites in Matrix

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites With Bite Marks

Coprolites From Wyoming

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From Florida

Coprolites From South Carolina

Coprolites From Florida

Coprolites From Morocco

Coprolites From Morocco

Coprolites From Florida

Coprolite Medley

Coprolites From Morocco

Coprolite Medley