Rare 66-Million-Year-Old Vomit Fossil Discovered in Denmark
A significant paleontological discovery was made in Denmark, where fossil hunter Peter Bennicke unearthed a 66 million-year-old vomit fossil along the Stevns Klint coastal cliff. This unique find, identified as regurgitated chunks of sea lilies, offers important insights into the diets and ecosystems of the Cretaceous period.
Bennicke made the discovery while splitting open a piece of chalk. The fossil was later cleaned and examined by experts at a local museum, culminating in the conclusion by paleontologist John Jagt that the remains were indeed from sea lilies, consumed by a marine predator that later regurgitated the indigestible parts.
The vomit fossil, designated as Danekrae DK-1295, is classified as a rare natural treasure of Denmark. Museum curator Jesper Milan noted the difficulty in determining the specific species of predator responsible but suggested it was likely a fish or a bottom-dwelling shark that specialized in eating hard-shelled prey.
Milan emphasized the significance of such a find in understanding ancient food chains, stating, “This discovery provides important new knowledge about the relationship between predators and prey during the Cretaceous era.”
The vomit fossil is set to be displayed in a special exhibition at the Geomuseum Faxe.
Weekly Newsletter
News summary by melangenews