Specimen:  MOEH 201

Discovery:  Marion Trone, 1990s

Excavated:  SW Colorado

Weight:  10 lbs

Length:  10 in

By combining two Greek words (kopros - dung or feces, and lithos - stone), William Buckland published the term "coprolite" in 1829. he and Mary Anning had found pieces within icthyosaurs in southern England. When broken open, they found fish bones, scales, teeth, and even some ichythosaur bones. Since then, much has been learned about the possible diets of animals as coprolites have been found all over the world throughout geologic strata. 

Coprolites are identified by shape, structural patterns, examination for contents (such as digested plant or animal material), and possible X-ray fluorescence analysis, in which calcium and phosphorous remains are detected. Many specimens of coprolite have been identified for fish, reptiles, and mammals. They are classified as "trace fossils" since they reflect more of behavior than structure. To be preserved, they must be rapidly buried by mud flow before decomposition. Due to their global occurrences, paleobiochemist Dr. Brian Thomas has stated, "A global result must have a global cause."