Fossilized dinosaur feces could reveal secrets behind their evolution
A study published in Nature has provided new insights into the environment at the time when dinosaurs began to dominate the Earth. The analysis, conducted on samples of fossilized feces, or coprolites, revealed undigested remains of food, plants and prey, providing evidence for the dietary habits and ecological role of dinosaurs about 200 million years ago. The findings address a 30-million-year gap in understanding the evolutionary rise of dinosaurs during the Late Triassic.
Key discoveries from coprolite analysis
The research focused on the northern regions of the supercontinent Pangea, with material collected over a period of 25 years. Advanced imaging techniques were used to investigate the internal structures of coprolites, revealing well-preserved remains of fish, insects and larger prey. In particular, evidence was found of bones being consumed and digested into salts and marrow by predators, mirroring the behavior seen today in species such as hyenas.
Coprolites of herbivorous dinosaurs, such as early sauropods, were found to contain tree ferns and other plants. Researchers were intrigued by the discovery of charcoal in these samples, suggesting that these dinosaurs ingested it to neutralize the toxins in certain ferns.
Adaptability as a survival mechanism
The study highlighted the dietary diversity of these early dinosaurs as a key factor in their evolutionary success. Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki, co-author of the study, said in a statement that the ability to adapt to changing environments through plant consumption was crucial for their survival. According to the findings, these herbivorous dinosaurs showed a preference for fresh plant shoots, which helped them survive the environmental changes during the Late Triassic.
The study contributes to the understanding of how adaptability in diet and behavior allowed dinosaurs to thrive amid climatic challenges, paving the way for their dominance on the planet.
