coprolite (koprolit)

[ chiefly in the Lias and the coal-measures. They contain in many cases undigested portions of the prey of the animals which have voided them, as fragments of scales, shells, etc. Coprolites thus indicate the nature of the food, and to some extent the intestinal structure, of the animal which voided them. They are found in such quantities in some localities, as parts of South Carolina, that the mining of the phosphatic rock formed by them for manure constitutes an important industry.