Short Wave What Fossilized Poop Can Teach Us About Dinosaurs
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Nov 24, 2023 Karen Chin, a leading expert in fossilized feces and curator at the University of Colorado, takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the world of coprolites. She unveils how these ancient nuggets reveal vital insights into dinosaur diets and ecosystems. From unexpected dietary habits to the intriguing relationship between dinosaurs and dung beetles, Karen shares stories that blend science with humor. Discover how these petrified remnants provide a window into the feeding strategies and interactions of prehistoric life!
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Fossilized Feces Discovery
- Karen Chin became fascinated by fossilized feces while working with Jack Horner.
- She made thin sections of the fossils, revealing preserved plant cells from 75 million years ago.
Dung Beetle Burrows
- Karen Chin collaborated with dung beetle expert Dr. Bruce Gill to analyze burrows found in dinosaur coprolites.
- This analysis provided early evidence of a relationship between dung beetles and dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period.
Coprolites as Ecological Receipts
- Dinosaur dung can be analyzed to understand ancient food webs and ecosystems.
- Coprolites act as "receipts" of carbon resource transactions within an environment.