Earth Sciences Unit: The World's Most Famous Dung
Coprolites, the scientific term for fossilized dung, are relatively common and can provide scientists with a wealth of information on diet and digestive processes. Unfortunately, deciphering who made the dropping can be a problem.
In 1995, Ms. Wendy Sloboda of the RSM discovered the largest known fossilized dung from a carnivore. It measures 44 x 16 x 13 cm and weighs over 7 kg. It is unique because it can be definitely attributed to a carnivorous dinosaur. The coprolite contains shattered bone fragments, likely from a juvenile dinosaur, indicating that a large carnivore must have deposited the dung. The only creature in the area large enough to eat a small dinosaur was the Tyrannosaurus which weighed at least 5500 kg.
The shattered bone fragments suggest it did not chew its meal, but rather it shattered and swallowed a lot of bones while feeding on its prey. The fact that the bone was not completely digested by the stomach acids is also a previously unknown insight into the biology of an animal that died 65 million years ago.
Research on this unique specimen was published in the June 18, 1998 issue of Nature. More information on the specimen and the Nature article can be viewed at http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/coprolite.html.
The world’s largest known carnivore coprolite.
For further information contact the Curator of Earth Sciences.
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