Phytolith Analysis from Coprolites of Pilauco

Abstract

The analysis of microfossils such as phytoliths may provide strong evidence regarding the characteristics of the dominant vegetation in ancient landscapes. The phytolites recovered from the coprolites found at the Pilauco site were analyzed to identify what types of plants were consumed by the fauna that inhabited the site. Phytolith remains evidenced mainly the presence of C3 grasses from the Poaceae family, which is in accordance with previous pollen analysis at Pilauco. Two out of the four coprolite samples analyzed likely correspond to Equus (andium). This was concluded based on the similar phytolith morphology associated with C3 grasses that match the eating habit of the genus in the southern hemisphere as described in the literature, and the presence of parasites eggs specific to equines. The remaining samples showed that the coprolite producer had an herbivorous diet with parasites indicating likely a ruminant animal.