Coprolites (fossilized faeces) provide powerful evidence of ancient diets and trophic interactions but remain underused archives of palaeoecological information. This project focuses on rare coprolites from the Upper Kimmeridgian Reuchenette Formation of the Swiss Jura. These deposits preserve a diverse assemblage of vertebrates (body and trace), plants, and invertebrates, offering a rich ecological context for coprolite study. Rather than attempting uncertain producer attribution, the project emphasizes coprolite morphology, preservation, and general characteristics.
Techniques/tasks:
• Specimen cataloguing: provenance data, stratigraphic context from archival data
• Morphological description: photogrammetry and microscope work to describe and document fine-scale external details (patterning, post-depositional modifications).
• Micro-CT scanning: 3D images of internal structure and determine presence of inclusions (shell, scales, bone fragments).
• Characterise the elemental composition (Portable XRF).
Advisors: Dr. Lara Sciscio
Specialities: ELE
University: FR