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The first record of exceptionally-preserved spiral coprolites from the Tsagan-Tsab formation (lower cretaceous), Tatal, western Mongolia - PubMed

  • ️Fri Jan 01 2021

The first record of exceptionally-preserved spiral coprolites from the Tsagan-Tsab formation (lower cretaceous), Tatal, western Mongolia

Paul Rummy et al. Sci Rep. 2021.

Abstract

In this paper, seven coprolites from the Lower Cretaceous of Tsagan-Tsab formation have been described. Thus, producing a significant contribution to what we perceived as the first detailed study of coprolites from the Mesozoic deposits in Mongolia. The collected coprolites encompass a total of six spiral amphipolar and one scroll coprolites. We prominently identified four new coprolite ichnotaxa, such as: Hyronocoprus tsagantsabensis and Hyronocoprus hunti, to which both are ichnosp. nov.; followed by Megakalocoprus barremianensis and Scrollocoprus tatalensis, where both are ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov. Notably, CT scans revealed that all specimens showed various amounts of bony inclusions and scales, hence, deducing that the producers could have had a low acidic digestive track and were unable to dissolve bone matters. Moreover, SEM-EDS analysis concluded its carnivorous nature, thus, pointing towards piscivorous diet. The small sized Scrollocoprus is considered to be the second findings of Mesozoic era's scroll coprolites, which contain possible plant pollens, a complete infraorbital bone, clusters of bone fragments and rhomboidal-shaped ganoid scales of the prey; and bioerosional scars have been observed on the surface. We suggest those amphipolar spiral ichnotaxa were produced by Asipenceriformes, with Pholidophoriformes as the prey, while Scrollocoprus represents fecal excrement of underived fish, possibly of sarcopterygian origins.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1

Map showing the location of Tatal, in Mongolia. The coprolites were retrieved from the Tsagan-Tsab formation.

Figure 2
Figure 2

Coprolites from Tatal. (A—B) Specimen IVPP V 27,544 in different views. (D-G) Specimen IVPP V 27,545 in different views. (H-J) Specimen IVPP V 27,546 in different views. (K-N) Specimen IVPP V 27,547 in different views. (O-R) Specimen IVPP V 27,548 in different views. (S-U) Specimen IVPP V 27,549 in different views. (V-Z) Specimen IVPP V 27,550 in different views. Scale bar equals 2 cm.

Figure 3
Figure 3

Light microscopy photos of various surface adhesion on the coprolites. Specimen IVPP V 27,545 (A-C). Specimen IVPP V 27,547 (D). Specimen IVPP V 27,544 (E–F). Scale bars as indicated.

Figure 4
Figure 4

Photo showing external surface of specimen IVPP V 27,545. One side of the specimen has traces of bioerosional scars. Arrows indicates to the furrows. Scale bar equals 2 cm.

Figure 5
Figure 5

Diagrams showing CT scans of the Tatal’s coprolites. (A) to (G), each showing a cross and lateral section of all 7 specimens (in order of the specimen numbers, IVPP V 27,544 to IVPP V 27,550). Blue line indicates the area where the cross section was made. (H) shows the reconstruction drawing on the bone inclusions in specimen IVPP V 27,545. Structure in yellow indicate the infraorbital bone. (I) to (L) indicates the infraorbital bone in different angle. (M) and (N) shows the sensory canal of the infraorbital bone. Scale bars are as following: (A) 3500 µm; (B) 1500 µm; (C) 3500 µm; (D) 3500 µm; (E) 3500 µm; (F) 3500 µm; (G) 3500 µm; (H) 5000 µm; (I) to (N) 700 µm.

Figure 6
Figure 6

Diagrams showing SEM–EDS analyses results. (A) and (B) belongs to specimen IVPP V 27,546, while (C) and (D) to specimen IVPP V 27,545.

Figure 7
Figure 7

Light microscopy photo of borings on specimen IVPP V 27,547. Box in green shows true burrow while the rest are pseudo-borrows. Inset shows the position of the borings on the coprolite. Scales as indicated.

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