A piece of fossilized vomit from the dinosaur era has been unearthed in Denmark, providing scientists with a unique window into prehistoric food chains and ecosystems. Discovered at Stevns Klint, a UNESCO-listed coastal cliff, the ancient regurgitation is thought to have originated from marine life approximately 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
The find was made by Peter Bennicke, a local fossil enthusiast, who came across unusual fragments while exploring the chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint, according to the BBC.
Upon examination, the fragments were identified as remnants of sea lilies, marine creatures related to starfish and sea urchins. What initially appeared to be an odd curiosity turned out to be a scientifically significant discovery.
Bennicke presented the fossil to the Museum of East Zealand, where it was confirmed to date back to the Cretaceous period, an era when iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops roamed the Earth.
This fossilized vomit offers valuable insights into the food chains of ancient oceans, shedding light on the diets and interactions of prehistoric marine ecosystems.
During the Cretaceous period, fish and sharks commonly fed on sea lilies, a species known for being difficult to digest. As a result, these predators would regurgitate the indigestible parts, including fragments of chalk.
Jesper Milan, a paleontologist and curator at the Museum of East Zealand, described the fossil to the BBC as the “world’s most famous piece of puke ever.”
This discovery also adds valuable information to the broader study of ancient ecosystems that existed long before the emergence of humans.