Got some 300-million-year-old poop? Literally, yes. An Australian-led team dug into ancient droppings—aka coprolites—to crack how tiny molecules survived eons. 🤯
Coprolites are fossilized feces (yep, poop), found at the famous Mazon Creek site in the U.S. These nuggets already had cholesterol traces, showing ancient animals had a meat-based menu. 🥩
But how did delicate molecules stick around? Instead of relying on usual phosphate salts (nature's band-aid for soft tissues), researchers spotted minuscule iron carbonate grains scattered in the poo. Think of these grains as miniature time capsules, locking in chemical clues. 🕵️♂️
Lead researcher Madison Tripp describes iron carbonate grains as hidden treasures, protecting molecular evidence and offering a chemical snapshot of prehistoric life.
'These carbonate minerals have been quietly stashing biological info throughout Earth's history,' explains Professor Kliti Grice. By knowing which minerals excel at preservation, scientists can zero in on fossil-hunting spots—saving time and boosting discovery chances. 🗺️
Bottom line: Fossil poop isn't gross—it's a treasure trove that brings ancient ecosystems to life, revealing diets, interactions, and decay processes. So next time you scroll through memes, remember—science can be as wild as the past itself! 🌿💩
Stay curious, folks! 🔬✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
