Determining whether a phosphatic concretion containing a Cretaceous juvenile crocodylian is a coprolite or a non-fecal concretion.

ABSTRACT: Phosphatic concretions in terrestrial settings are often identified as coprolites based upon their biotic contents and high phosphorus levels. However, recent discoveries have shown that non-fecal origins of fossiliferous phosphatic concretions are more common than originally recognized. Confusion about the taphonomic origin of phosphatic concretions can lead to erroneous paleobiological and paleoenvironmental interpretations, so a set of criteria would be useful to evaluate whether a phosphatic concretion is a coprolite. Here we describe a phosphatic concretion containing a small crocodylian from the Upper Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation and assess its origin, formation, and paleobiological implications. We conducted neutron computed tomography (CT) on the skull-bearing portion of the con

SUBMITTER: Allen RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11845519 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature