Coprology

/kəˈprɑːlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The study or examination of feces, either modern animal droppings or fossilized coprolites, often for medical, zoological, or paleontological purposes.

Etymology

From Greek 'kopros' (feces) + '-logy' (study of). Developed in the 19th century as a formal scientific discipline when microscopy and geology advanced enough to analyze historical droppings.

Kelly Says

Modern coprology revealed that T-rex had absolutely terrible dental health, and that some dinosaurs may have been scavengers—all from studying ancient poop. Your doctor might even order coprology tests today to check for parasites or disease.

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