Coprolites
Traces and behaviour
What fossil droppings reveal
Coprolites are fossilised faeces. Their shape and contents provide evidence of feeding relationships and preservation processes rarely recorded by skeletons alone.
The method in practice
Researchers first describe shapes and dimensions to distinguish morphotypes. They then examine inclusions and the surrounding material using observation, microscopy or imaging. Identifying the producer combines evidence from the coprolite’s shape, inclusions and depositional context.
At Angeac and in regional comparisons
Angeac’s coprolites have varied shapes. Some preserve fish scales or bone fragments, evidence of ancient meals. Their contents and structure are studied through imaging and complementary analyses. The 2024 study relates this assemblage to feeding interactions in the ecosystem.
What this research reveals
Coprolites provide information on possible producers, consumed remains and fossilisation conditions. Combining these clues helps reconstruct feeding interactions in the ancient ecosystem.
2026 · Published research
How do droppings become fossils?
Elemental mapping of 50 coprolites distinguishes biological signals from changes caused by fossilisation. Chemical composition does not simply reflect the last meal.
People and expertise
Martin Qvarnström and Lee Rozada contribute to research on Angeac’s coprolites, alongside co-authors combining anatomy, imaging and geochemistry.
Further reading
Overview reference: Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble (2017), p. 134–135.
Publications and results → · The book and its authors →
Scientific research on this topic
- 2026 · How do droppings become fossils? (article)
- 2024 · Coprolites and feeding interactions (article)
- 2023 · Chemical characterisation of Angeac coprolites (conference contribution)
