Abstract
In this paper we performed the study of two coprolites (fossilized
feces) collected from the exposed levels of the Pedra de Fogo Formation,
Parnaiba Sedimentary Basin, and Rio do Rasto Formation, Parana
Sedimentary Basin, both of the Palaeozoic era (Permian age). They were
characterized using X-ray diffractometry, infrared, Raman and energy
dispersive spectroscopy techniques in order to aid our understanding of
the processes of fossilization and to discuss issues related to the
feeding habits of the animals which generated those coprolites, probably
cartilaginous fishes. The results obtained using a multitechnique
approach showed that although these coprolites are from different
geological formations, 3000 km away from each other, they show the same
major crystalline phases and elemental composition. The main phases
found were hydroxyapatite, silica, calcite and hematite, which lead to
infer that those coprolites were formed under similar conditions and
produced by a similar group of carnivore or omnivore fishes. (C) 2017
Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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