By Reeturaj - Jan 30, 2025
A fossilized vomit dating back 66 million years to the Cretaceous period was discovered in Denmark by fossil hunter Peter Bennicke. The vomit, found in chalk at Stevns Klint, contains sea lily fragments providing insights into the prehistoric food chain and past ecosystems. This unique find, shared initially with local press, has garnered global interest and promises to reveal more about ancient sea life.
NASA Goddard via Flickr
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A remarkable discovery has been made in Denmark, where a piece of fossilized vomit dating back to the time of the dinosaurs has been unearthed. Local fossil hunter Peter Bennicke stumbled upon this unusual find at Stevns Klint, a UNESCO-listed coastal cliff in eastern Denmark. The fossilized vomit was discovered within a piece of chalk and has been confirmed to be 66 million years old, dating to the end of the Cretaceous period.
According to Jesper Milan, a paleontologist and curator at the Museum of East Zealand, this fossilized vomit is a "truly unusual find" that provides valuable insights into the prehistoric food chain. The vomit contains fragments of sea lilies, an underwater species related to starfish and sea urchins. Milan explained that during the Cretaceous period, fish and sharks would consume sea lilies, which are difficult to digest, often leading to regurgitation of the chalky bits.
This discovery is significant not only for its uniqueness but also for enhancing our understanding of past ecosystems. Milan noted that it offers "a unique glimpse into the everyday life at the bottom of the Cretaceous sea." Initially, the museum shared the discovery only with local press, but it has since sparked global interest, with Milan humorously referring to it as "the world's most famous piece of puke ever."
The fossilized vomit is a rare and fascinating find that sheds new light on the ancient world. As researchers continue to study the fossil, they may uncover even more secrets about the creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs.