Investigating a Devonian vertebrate assemblage with synchrotron microtomography of coprolites

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Paleoecology
• Ichthyology

Background:

• Fossilized feces (coprolites) offer insights into ancient animal behavior and ecosystem interactions.
• The Kumushka Formation provides a unique window into the Givetian-Frasnian transition of the Devonian period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the contents of Devonian coprolites from North Timan.
• To reconstruct the diet and trophic interactions of ancient vertebrates.

Main Methods:

• Propagation phase-contrast synchrotron microtomography was used to scan four coprolite samples.
• Digital segmentation allowed for the extraction and identification of internal fossilized remains.

Main Results:

• Seven coprolites yielded abundant remains of Acanthodians and fleurantiid-like dipnoans, with fewer holoptychiid sarcopterygian elements.
• Opportunistic feeding behavior was inferred, with evidence of predation on juveniles.
• Eusthenopteron, Laccognathus, and Glyptolepis were identified as potential coprolite producers.

Conclusions:

• The coprolite contents demonstrate the early establishment of complex, multi-level trophic chains during the Givetian-Frasnian transition.
• This study provides valuable data on vertebrate feeding ecology and ecosystem structure in the Late Devonian.