Coprolites Buckland, 1829


DESCRIPTION: Morphology highly variable: fusiform-, capsule-, oval-, to spiral-shaped, to convolute masses. Surface varies in texture; can be cracked, smooth, knobby, and/or striated. Internally are massive or may contain bone and plant fragments.

BEHAVIOR(S): Fodinichnia; used to interpret feeding behavior of animals, such as herbivores or carnivores

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS: Marine to continental terrestrial and aquatic.

POSSIBLE TRACEMAKERS: Any number of organisms (invertebrate and vertebrate) producing excrement. Includes any sized animal: the larger the mass, the larger the animal.

GEOLOGIC RANGE: Cambrian to recent

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:

REMARKS: Well-formed coprolites in terrestrial deposits likely produced by carnivorous and omnivorous animals.

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