Over 200 Million Years Ago, Nature Called. It Was Full of Beetles.

Over 200 Million Years Ago, Nature Called. It Was Full of Beetles.

8/21/2021

link

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/science/beetles-dinosaur-poop.html

summary

This New York Times article explores the fascinating relationship between ancient beetles and dinosaur poop. Scientists have discovered beetle remains preserved in fossilized dinosaur dung, providing valuable insights into the ecology of these prehistoric insects. By studying the beetles and their excrement-filled habitat, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the ancient ecosystems, including what plants were present and how nutrients were distributed. The article highlights the role of coprolites (fossilized feces) in preserving delicate specimens like beetles and sheds light on the intricate connections between organisms in the past.

tags

entomology ꞏ paleontology ꞏ beetles ꞏ dinosaur poop ꞏ fossilized feces ꞏ insect behavior ꞏ prehistoric animals ꞏ fossil preservation ꞏ evolution ꞏ ancient ecosystems ꞏ insect diet ꞏ coprolites ꞏ fossilized excrement ꞏ insect dung ꞏ fossil discoveries ꞏ scientific research ꞏ natural history ꞏ insect fossils ꞏ paleoecology ꞏ ancient dung beetles ꞏ ancient insects ꞏ paleoentomology ꞏ insect ecology ꞏ insect evolution ꞏ fossil record ꞏ paleo-science ꞏ insect-plant interactions ꞏ fossil analysis ꞏ insect adaptations ꞏ ancient diet ꞏ extinction events ꞏ ancient climate ꞏ fossilized remains ꞏ fecal analysis ꞏ fossil formation ꞏ ancient animal behavior ꞏ insect diversity ꞏ fossil evidence