Science·Dinosaurs & Paleontology·conceptual
Fossilised Dinosaur Dung
Describe what coprolites are (fossilised dinosaur dung) and how palaeontologists analyse them to discover what dinosaurs ate, including plant fragments, bones, and seeds
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is becoming a young paleontologist — learning how fossils form, what they tell us about ancient life, and discovering fascinating facts about dinosaurs and the scientists who study them.
Evidence of understanding
- Define a coprolite as fossilised dung (animal droppings preserved as rock)
- Explain that scientists cut coprolites open to find plant seeds, bone fragments, or fish scales inside
- State one example of what coprolite contents reveal about a dinosaur's diet
Assessment prompt
Does Fossilised Dinosaur Dung know what a coprolite is? Can they explain — with a giggle — how fossilised poo helps scientists figure out what a dinosaur ate?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.