The mystery of the siderite structures from the Turow Miocene is solved

A recently published paper presents the results of integrated morphological and geochemical analyses of excrement-shaped siderite masses from the Miocene of Turów mine. These structures have been the subject of much controversy, having been interpreted either as being coprolites or pseudofossils created by mechanical deformation of plastic sediment. The paper presents arguments suggesting their biological origin. Their characteristic shape and the presence of inclusions in the form of coalified debris or hair-like structures indicate that they may be coprolites of turtles and snakes.