Research led by Tyler Murchie at the Hakai Institute has uncovered significant insights into Ice Age ecosystems through the analysis of ancient squirrel feces, or coprolites, from the Yukon. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals that the coprolites, some nearly 700,000 years old, contain DNA fragments that reflect the diverse diets of the squirrels, including grasses, beetles, and remains of large mammals like woolly mammoths and steppe bison. This research indicates a population turnover in squirrel species over time, challenging previous assumptions that modern squirrels are direct descendants of their ancient counterparts. The findings also allowed scientists to reconstruct mitochondrial genomes of 24 different animals, offering a comprehensive view of the ecosystem during the Pleistocene epoch. Murchie highlights the role of ground squirrels as naturalists of their time, collecting various plant materials and food remnants, thus providing valuable data for paleontological studies. The study underscores the importance of analyzing feces in understanding past environments, revealing that even the most overlooked materials can offer profound insights into ancient life.