A piece of fossilised vomit, known as coprolite, dating back 66 million years, has been discovered in Denmark. The Museum of East Zealand announced the find on January 27, 2025, after amateur fossil hunter Peter Bennicke uncovered unusual fragments while walking on the Cliffs of Stevns, a UNESCO World Heritage site located south of Copenhagen.
- Fossilised vomit discovered in Denmark
- Found by amateur fossil hunter Peter Bennicke
- Located at UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Stevns
- Dates back to end of Cretaceous era
- Contains fragments of sea lily species
- Important for understanding prehistoric food chains
The fossilised vomit, which is believed to be from a fish, contains fragments of sea lily, an organism that lived on the ocean floor during the late Cretaceous period. This type of find is significant for paleontologists as it offers clues about ancient food chains and the diets of prehistoric animals. The vomit was examined and dated to approximately 66 million years ago, coinciding with the time when dinosaurs were still present on Earth.
Key details about the discovery include:
- The vomit contains at least two different species of sea lily.
- It provides evidence of the dietary habits of fish during the late Cretaceous period.
- This find helps reconstruct past ecosystems and understand predator-prey relationships.
Paleontologist Jesper Milan remarked on the importance of such discoveries, stating that they help explain relationships in the prehistoric food chain. Sea lilies, although not highly nutritious, were part of the diet for some fish. The regurgitated skeletal parts found in the vomit highlight the ecological interactions that existed millions of years ago.
This discovery of fossilised vomit in Denmark not only sheds light on the diets of ancient marine life but also enhances our understanding of the ecological dynamics of the late Cretaceous period. Such findings are crucial for paleontologists studying the evolution of life on Earth.
