Fossil hunter uncovers 66-million-year-old vomit in Denmark

In Denmark, a remarkable paleontological discovery was made when Peter Bennicke, a local fossil hunter, found a fossilized vomit after splitting open a piece of chalk at Stevns Klint. The find, which has been designated as Danekræ DK-1295, showcases a regurgitated mass that contains fragments of sea lilies. Experts from Geomuseum Faxe, including curator Jesper Milån and Dutch sea lily specialist John Jagt, identified this vomit as remnants from at least two species of sea lilies that were consumed by a predator approximately 66 million years ago. The significance of this discovery lies in its potential to provide crucial insights into ancient ecosystems and dietary habits of prehistoric creatures. The study of fossilized vomit, commonly referred to as regurgitalites, is essential for understanding ancient food chains and predator-prey relationships. The findings suggest that the predator responsible for this vomit was likely a fish or a bottom-dwelling shark that specialized in feeding on hard-shelled organisms. The presence of teeth from ancient sharks, known for crushing hard-shelled prey, in the same region further supports this conclusion. Such discoveries, although rare, are invaluable resources for scientists because they reveal how ancient food chains operated and how different species interacted within those ecosystems during the Cretaceous period. The discovery of this vomit fossil is notable not only because of its age but also due to the unique insights it provides into the eating habits of Cretaceous-era predators. Sea lilies, primarily composed of calcareous plates with minimal soft parts, would not have served as a particularly nutritious meal, highlighting the fascinating adaptations and dietary strategies of the predators of that time. The fossil, now displayed at the Geomuseum Faxe, allows the public to engage with this unique aspect of Denmark's natural history. Furthermore, the study of this fossil contributes to ongoing discussions in paleontology regarding the complexities of ancient marine ecosystems. The relationship between predators and prey, as evidenced by this vomit fossil, underscores the intricate balance that existed in Cretaceous marine habitats. Notably, as museums continue to exhibit such rare finds, they inspire public interest in paleontology and enhance our understanding of the Earth’s prehistoric past.