Shape and Size
Contents / Inclusions
Shape and Size
Coprolites can vary in shape and size depending on the animal that produced them. They can be cylindrical, spherical, or irregular in shape, and can range in size from .03 inches (1 mm) to 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter, and can be over 26 inches (66 cm) in length.
Surface Texture
Contents / Inclusions
Shape and Size
Coprolites may have invertebrate burrows, or traces where insects ate, slept, and lived. They can have a rough or smooth surface texture, depending on the composition of the feces and the conditions under which they were fossilized.
Contents / Inclusions
Contents / Inclusions
Contents / Inclusions
Coprolites may contain fragments of undigested food, such as bone, shell, teeth, and plant material.
Location
Chemistry
Contents / Inclusions
Coprolites are often found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone or shale, and are frequently associated with other fossil remains, such as bones or footprints.
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemical and microscopic analysis may be needed to determine its origin and composition. Many coprolites have high levels of phosphate and calcium.