66 Million-Year-Old dinosaur era fossilised vomit discovered in Denmark

Update: 2025-01-29 07:45 GMT
66 Million-Year-Old dinosaur era fossilised vomit discovered in Denmark
A 66-million-year-old fossilized vomit, believed to be from a dinosaur-era marine creature, was discovered at Denmark's Cliffs of Stevns.
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In a remarkable discovery, a 66-million-year-old fossilized vomit has been unearthed at the Cliffs of Stevns, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Danish island of Zealand. This rare find offers a unique glimpse into the dietary habits of ancient marine predators during the Cretaceous period.

The fossil was discovered by local fossil hunter Peter Bennicke, who identified a collection of sea lily fragments embedded in chalk. Upon examination by Dutch sea lily expert John Jagt, it was determined that the clump contained remains from at least two species of sea lilies. This suggests that the vomit originated from a marine animal that consumed these creatures and later regurgitated the indigestible parts.

Jesper Milàn, curator at Denmark's Geomuseum Faxe, noted that such fossilized vomit, known as regurgitalite, is exceptionally rare and provides valuable insights into ancient food chains and ecosystems. He remarked, "It is truly an unusual find. Sea lilies are not a particularly nutritious diet, as they mainly consist of calcareous plates held together by very few soft parts."

The fossil, officially named Danekræ DK-1295, has been classified by Denmark as an object of "exceptional natural historical value," designating it as a national treasure. This classification ensures its preservation and prohibits its sale.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric marine life but also underscores the significance of the Cliffs of Stevns as a site of exceptional paleontological importance. Visitors to the Geomuseum Faxe can view this extraordinary relic, offering a tangible connection to the distant past.
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