Moa Ate Rocks for Digestion
On Rangiatea Station in Canterbury, lustrous pieces of agate were found, which were swallowed by moa over half a century ago.
The farm, home to Sara and Bill Gallagher, is rich in agates, and the couple runs a small jewellery business using some of them.
Moa, like dinosaurs and birds, occasionally ate small stones to help grind tough food, and when these stones are discovered, they are considered trace fossils.
These ancient digestive aids give scientists valuable insights.
Examples of trace fossils include nests, burrows, and footprints.
Author summary: Moa ate rocks for digestion purposes.