How Leopards Helped Make the Fossil Record

I have to apologize to carnivores. In an article about how to become a fossil, published last summer, I wrote that I wasn’t enamored with the idea of being deposited in the fossil record as bone scraps in carnivore dung. That’s still true, but I should have done more than make a passing joke about my fossilization preferences. There’s more to the story than scat. Carnivores have contributed greatly to literally assembling the fossil record.

From crocs to hyenas, predatory animals past have inadvertently assisted paleontologists by bringing their meals to lake bottoms, caves, and other places amenable to preservation. Worse for wear the

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet