A remarkable discovery on Denmark’s Stevns Klint cliffs has provided a pungent portal to the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. An amateur fossil hunter stumbled upon a fossilized patch of shark vomit, a rare specimen known as regurgitalite. This prehistoric puke, now classified as an object of exceptional natural historical value, offers a unique glimpse into the marine life and ecosystems of that era. The vomit’s contents, primarily the indigestible skeletal remains of sea lilies, suggest a predator, possibly a bottom-dwelling shark, that consumed these creatures but couldn’t stomach their predominantly skeletal structure. This find underscores the importance of seemingly insignificant discoveries in paleontology, as even fossilized vomit can reveal crucial details about ancient life.
The discovery unfolded in November when local hunter Peter Bennicke, known for his keen eye for interesting finds, was exploring the chalky cliffs of Stevns Klint, a UNESCO-listed geological site. During his excursion, he encountered the unusual fossil, initially recognizing it as something extraordinary but not fully understanding its significance. Upon closer inspection and subsequent expert analysis, the fossilized mass was identified as regurgitalite, the scientific term for fossilized vomit. The location itself, a coastal area known for its rich fossil deposits, hinted at the specimen’s ancient origins, pointing towards a period when Europe existed as a series of islands due to elevated sea levels.
The composition of the fossilized vomit provided further insights into the prehistoric marine environment. Experts, including Dr. Jesper Milàn, curator of Denmark’s Geomuseum Faxe, and John Jagt, a Dutch sea lily expert, analyzed the contents. They determined that the vomit consisted primarily of the skeletal remains of two different sea lily species. Sea lilies, despite their floral appearance, are marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins. Their skeletal structure, while offering protection, makes them a less-than-ideal meal for predators, as evidenced by the shark’s apparent rejection of the largely indigestible portions. This dietary insight provides a snapshot of the predator-prey relationships that existed during the Cretaceous period.
The fossilized vomit’s significance extends beyond its unusual nature. It offers a rare window into the dietary habits of ancient marine creatures and the composition of prehistoric ecosystems. Dr. Milàn explained that sea lilies, being primarily skeletal, don’t offer substantial nutritional value. The predator, likely a shark or shark-like creature, probably consumed the sea lilies but then regurgitated the indigestible skeletal parts, similar to how some animals today will expel bones or other hard materials they cannot digest. This act of prehistoric expulsion, preserved through fossilization, allows scientists to understand the feeding strategies of extinct species and the types of prey available in ancient oceans.
While this particular fossilized vomit is remarkable for its age and location, it is not the oldest known example of regurgitalite. Dr. Milàn noted that even older specimens, dating back 150 million years, have been discovered in Germany. This highlights the ongoing nature of paleontological discoveries and the potential for future finds to further illuminate the distant past. Each discovery, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, adds to the growing body of knowledge about prehistoric life and helps scientists piece together the complex puzzle of Earth’s history.
The Danish government has recognized the scientific and cultural importance of the fossilized vomit, classifying it as an object of “exceptional natural historical value.” This designation signifies the specimen’s unique contribution to understanding Denmark’s prehistoric past and its significance to the broader scientific community. The vomit, now part of the Geomuseum Faxe’s collection, is not for sale, further emphasizing its importance as a national treasure. Dr. Milàn’s declaration of it as “the most famous piece of puke in the world” underscores its unusual journey from a prehistoric act of regurgitation to a valuable scientific artifact, captivating the attention of researchers and the public alike.
