Palaeocast Episode 127: Coprolite Inclusions #fossil #paleontology #coprolite #Palaeocast

Published on July 19th, 2021 | by David Marshall

Palaeocast has a new episode.  This one is relevant given the recent discovery of a beetle in a coprolite from the Triassic of Poland.

One of the factors that makes palaeontology such a popular science is its constant ability to surprise us. It seems almost every week that a new study is released that significantly adds to our understanding of ancient life. This could be in relation to a new species, a new analysis or new fossil locality. In this episode, we discuss a new discovery that not only yields a new species, but also provides direct dietary evidence and has us re-evaluating the potential for food to be preserved in coprolites (fossilised droppings).

Joining us for this interview are Drs Martin Qvarnström and Martin Fikáček of Uppsala University and National Sun Yat-sen University, respectively. Both were part of a team that identified and described a new species of beetle preserved within a dinosaur coprolite!

Our story begins in the Upper Triassic (late Carnian) Krasiejów clay pit, near Ozimek, Upper Silesia, Poland. This is a site famous for its fossils, so much so that a theme park (Jura Park) has been constructed in celebration. Immediate access to a theme park probably makes Krasiejów the best place to do field work. Image: Jura Park.