Recent Examples on the Web

Alternative options: Other fossils primed for printing include a Priscacara serrata fish, a Stephanoceras juhlei ammonite and a shasta ground sloth’s coprolite (essentially fossilized feces). Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Ten Smithsonian Artifacts You Can 3-D Print," 27 Nov. 2019

Archaeologists and biologists have studied parasite eggs from human and animal coprolites, from ancient latrines, in the soil of archaeological graves, and even from mummified peoples’ digestive tracts. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "16,000-year-old puma poop yields a sample of Ice Age parasites," 28 Aug. 2019

In this particular coprolite cast, paleontologists found crushed, undigested bone. Rachael Lallensack, Smithsonian, "Here Are 12 Things You Might Miss in the Smithsonian’s New Fossil Hall," 7 June 2019

Drumheller-Horton adds that the site also preserved hundreds of coprolites, or fossilized feces. Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Fossils of oddball crocodile relative found in Texas suburb," 10 June 2019

Analysis of the Conejo Shelter coprolite revealed pollen that indicated the person had consumed succulents like yucca flowers. Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "1,500 years ago, someone ate a venomous snake whole. Why?," 24 Apr. 2019

The coprolites contained genetic material from mushrooms that are colorful—often an indicator of having evolved to attract the attention of grazing animals—and that rely on animals to eat them and disperse their spores. Cathleen O'grady, Ars Technica, "DNA from the poop of extinct four-meter-tall birds reveals lost ecosystem," 15 Feb. 2018

Among the hands-on exhibitions are rocky casts of coprolite, otherwise known as dino dung. Mark Washburn, charlotteobserver, "The Dinosaur King in the Queen City? Charlotte kids might not believe the size of this experience | Charlotte Observer," 25 May 2018

Educated interpretation Although the coprolites yielded lots of information on the ecosystems surrounding the moa, questions remain. Cathleen O'grady, Ars Technica, "DNA from the poop of extinct four-meter-tall birds reveals lost ecosystem," 15 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coprolite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.