Miocene Period, 15 million years B.P. A large and fine coprolite (fossil dung), most likely from a turtle. 232 grams, 22 cm (8 5/8 in.). From Madagascar. Private Shropshire, UK collection. Coprolites are classified as trace fossils as opposed to body fossils, as they give evidence for the animal's behaviour (in this case, diet) rather than morphology. The name is derived from the Greek words kopros, meaning dung and lithos, meaning stone. They serve a valuable purpose in paleontology because they provide direct evidence of the predation and diet of extinct organisms. [No Reserve]