Coprolite

Coprolites are the fossilized remains of animal excrement of the past, preserved over time thanks to fossilization. These fossils are important to paleontology as they provide detailed information on the diet, behavior and ecology of ancient animals. The formation of coprolites occurs when an animal's droppings are buried by sediments that settle on them, which over time become rock, preserving the droppings in the form of fossils. Coprolites can be found in many geological formations, especially in those dating back to the Mesozoic era, about 250-65 million years ago. The most common coprolites come from dinosaurs, but those of other animals such as fish, marine reptiles, insects and mammals can also be found. Coprolites can be analyzed through various techniques, such as microscopy, which can reveal the presence of food fragments in the faeces, and chemical analyses, which can reveal information about the composition of the diet and the environment in which the animal lived. Coprolites can also be studied to reveal the presence of bacteria or parasites that may have been present in the animal's intestines. Coprolites are an important source of information for palaeontology, as they allow us to study animals of the past under various aspects, such as diet, behavior and ecology.