A rare fossil record of vomit has been uncovered in Denmark, providing insights into prehistoric ecosystems. Museum of East Zealand reported that an ammonite-like fossil, composed of pieces from two sea lily species, was found by an amateur fossil hunter on the Cliffs of Stevns near Copenhagen. The fragments were dated to the end of the Cretaceous period (around 66 million years ago) after being analyzed in a museum lab.
Paleontologist Jesper Milan praised the discovery, calling it “truly unusual,” and explained that such finds are crucial for reconstructing past food webs. He noted that sea lilies were not nutritious, as they primarily consisted of hard calcium plates held together by softer parts, unlike the typical diets of many creatures.
“This type of find is considered very important when reconstructing past ecosystems because it provides key information about animal diet and interactions,” said Peter Bennicke in a press release. The discovery also helps explain relationships within the prehistoric food chain.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/28/an-unusual-find-66m-year-old-animal-vomit-discovered-in-denmark