66-Million-Year-Old Fossilized Vomit Discovered in Denmark
In a discovery that has both scientists and fossil enthusiasts buzzing, a 66-million-year-old fossilized lump of vomit has been unearthed in Denmark. This rare find, known as a regurgitalite, sheds light on prehistoric food chains and the diets of ancient predators during the Cretaceous period.The unusual relic, officially named Danekræ DK-1295, was discovered by local fossil hunter Peter Bennicke at Stevns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern Denmark. The site is famed for its well-preserved fossils and its significance in understanding Earth’s geological history. The fossil has been classified as a "Danekræ," a title reserved for rare natural treasures evaluated by Denmark's Natural History Museum.
The clump contains fragments of sea lilies—marine organisms—belonging to at least two different species. Bennicke, intrigued by the peculiar collection of sea lily remnants embedded in chalk, took the find to Geomuseum Faxe in November. There, Jesper Milàn, a curator at the museum, worked alongside Dutch sea lily expert John Jagt to analyze the fossil.
Their findings revealed that a Cretaceous-era predator, likely a fish, consumed the sea lilies but later regurgitated the indigestible parts. The fossilized vomit provides a snapshot of ancient ecosystems, offering scientists valuable insights into what predators ate and how food chains functioned millions of years ago.
“This is an extraordinary discovery,” Milàn said in a press release from Østsjællands Museum. “Sea lilies are not particularly nutritious, as they mostly consist of calcareous plates held together by very few soft parts.”
Fossilized vomit, while rare, is a goldmine for researchers, helping them reconstruct ancient predator-prey relationships and better understand prehistoric environments.
Visitors can now witness this fascinating piece of natural history at Geomuseum Faxe, where the fossil is showcased in a special exhibition.
This unique find serves as a reminder that even the most unassuming relics can hold vital clues about life on Earth millions of years ago.
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