Coprolite | 29 Aug 2019

The scientists have found the oldest parasite DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) in the Coprolite of a prehistoric Puma in Argentina.

Coprolites are fossilised faeces belonging to animals that lived millions of years ago.
Scientists can analyse and study the shape and size of coprolites and depending on the location they were found in, scientists can figure out the animal from which they came as well as uncover what those animals ate.
For instance, if there are bone fragments in the faeces, it tells scientists that the animal might have been a carnivore. Tooth marks can reveal how the animal ate.