290-Million-Year-Old Fossil Vomit Found in Germany Shows Ancient Predator Diet

A 290-million-year-old fossil vomit was found in Germany, which is much older than the 66-million-year-old vomit found in Denmark. It tells us about ancient land animals.
By Newsroom | Science, Germany |

A 290-million-year-old fossilized vomit has been identified, marking a significant find in understanding ancient land-based ecosystems and predator-prey relationships. The discovery, made at a site in Germany, offers a rare glimpse into the diet and feeding habits of creatures from the late Paleozoic era.

Researcher from university in Manitoba helps identify 290-million-year-old fossilized vomit in new study - 1

This fossilized vomit, scientifically known as regurgitalite, is believed to be the oldest such specimen found in a fully terrestrial environment. Researchers suggest it originated from a large predator, possibly an early relative of the Dimetrodon, an animal known for its sail-like back. The finding contributes valuable data to paleontological studies, helping to piece together the complex food webs of prehistoric life.

Researcher from university in Manitoba helps identify 290-million-year-old fossilized vomit in new study - 2

Discovery and Identification

The fossil was found at the Bromacker excavation site in Germany. It was identified and described in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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Researcher from university in Manitoba helps identify 290-million-year-old fossilized vomit in new study - 3

  • What is regurgitalite? It is the scientific term for fossilized vomit.

  • Significance: This is reported as the earliest known example of fossilized vomit from a land-based ecosystem.

  • Suspected Origin: Evidence points to a large predator, potentially an ancestor of the Dimetrodon.

Broader Implications for Paleontology

Fossil discoveries, even those as unusual as regurgitalite, provide critical data for understanding ancient life. This particular find is valuable because it offers direct evidence of feeding behavior.

Researcher from university in Manitoba helps identify 290-million-year-old fossilized vomit in new study - 4

  • Dietary Insights: The vomit can reveal what the predator consumed, offering clues about the species it hunted.

  • Ecosystem Dynamics: Understanding predator-prey relationships is key to reconstructing ancient food chains and the overall health of ecosystems.

  • Land vs. Sea: Identifying this on land is important, as other fossilized vomit examples have been found in marine environments, such as a 66-million-year-old specimen found in Denmark which contained evidence of sea lilies.

Context of Ancient Life

The Bromacker site is known for its well-preserved fossils from the late Paleozoic era. This period saw significant evolutionary developments, including the transition of life from water to land.

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  • Age of the Fossil: Approximately 290 million years old.

  • Location: Bromacker excavation site, Germany.

  • Environment: Fully land-based ecosystem.

  • Potential Predator: Early relative of Dimetrodon.

This finding adds another layer to our understanding of the creatures that inhabited Earth during this crucial evolutionary period.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was found in Germany that is 290 million years old?
Scientists found fossilized vomit, called regurgitalite, which is 290 million years old. It is the oldest known fossil vomit from a land animal.
Q: Where was the fossil vomit found in Germany?
The fossil vomit was found at the Bromacker excavation site in Germany. This site has many old fossils from land animals.
Q: What does the fossil vomit tell us?
The fossil vomit tells us about the diet of a large predator from that time, possibly an early relative of the Dimetrodon. It helps scientists understand ancient food chains.
Q: Why is this fossil vomit important for science?
This finding is important because it gives direct proof of what ancient land animals ate and how they hunted. It helps scientists learn more about life on land millions of years ago.
Q: How does this compare to other fossil vomit finds?
This 290-million-year-old land fossil vomit is older than a 66-million-year-old fossil vomit found in Denmark, which came from a sea animal.