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A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE reveals that fossilized feces, or coprolites, from over 200 million years ago contain evidence of ancient parasites. The study, conducted by researchers from Mahasarakham University in Thailand, describes the discovery of parasite eggs in a Late Triassic coprolite found in Thailand. This finding offers valuable insights into the distribution and ecology of parasites in the distant past. The researchers emphasize the importance of coprolites in expanding our understanding of ancient ecosystems and food chains. Science X reported
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An article published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 9, 2023, reveals that fossilized feces dating back over 200 million years contain evidence of ancient parasites that infected an aquatic predator. The study, conducted by researchers from Mahasarakham University, Thailand, led by Thanit Nonsrirach, sheds light on the presence of parasites in ecosystems during ancient times.
Studying ancient parasites is challenging due to the limited fossil records of these organisms, as they primarily inhabit the soft tissues of their hosts, which do not typically fossilize. However, in certain cases, evidence of parasites can be found within fossilized feces, known as coprolites. In this particular study, Nonsrirach and his team discovered traces of parasites in a coprolite from the Late Triassic period in Thailand, which is estimated to be over 200 million years old.
The coprolite examined in the study is cylindrical in shape and measures more than 7cm in length. Based on its characteristics, the researchers suggest that it was likely produced by a species of phytosaur, a crocodile-like predator known to have existed in the same fossil locality. Microscopic analysis of thin sections of the coprolite revealed the presence of six small, round organic structures ranging from 50 to 150 micrometers in length. One of these structures, identified as the egg of a parasitic nematode worm, stood out due to its oval shape and thick shell. The other structures appeared to be additional worm eggs or protozoan cysts with uncertain identities.
This groundbreaking discovery marks the first record of parasites in a terrestrial vertebrate host from the Late Triassic period in Asia. It provides a rare glimpse into the life of an ancient animal that was infected by multiple parasitic species. Furthermore, this finding contributes to the limited knowledge of nematode eggs preserved in coprolites of Mesozoic animals, significantly advancing our understanding of the distribution and ecology of parasites in the distant past.
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The researchers emphasize the importance of coprolites as valuable paleontological resources that contain undiscovered fossils, expanding our knowledge of ancient ecosystems and food chains.
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