Sauropods Found To Inhale Food

In June 2025, teams of archaeologists and scientists studied fossilized remains of a 95–million–year–old sauropod, named Judy. In its gastrolites (fossilized stomach contents), large amounts of plant matter and solids were consumed. However, after closer inspection, they realized the material remained unchewed

Judy the sauropod, originally found in the Australian state of Queensland in 2017, was the most complete sauropod skeleton with fossilized skin to be found in Australia. What was especially unique about Judy was that she was one of the first fossilized skeletons with well-preserved stomach contents.

The fossilized plants found in Judy’s stomach revealed that sauropods, or at least in Judy’s case, didn’t chew their food extensively. They were named “bulk-feeders” that swallowed large amounts of vegetation, relying on gut microbes and fermentation for digestion. Bulk feeders eat food in large quantities, rather than small particles/pieces or fluids.

In contrast, most animals may use their teeth, claws, or other structures to break down the food into smaller pieces. Archaeologists have many theories on why sauropods bulk-feed.

On one hand, bulk-feeding conserves energy, or the lack of proper jaw/teeth wear, to actually consume plant matter. On the other hand, perhaps sauropods just have a strong digestive system that allows them an easier way to eat.

Dr. Poropat stated that because of bulk-feeding, food took longer to digest, being able to stay in the stomach up to 2 weeks. Meanwhile, this allowed vegetation to grow during the digestion period. In long-term analysis, it genuinely helps the ecosystem by not over-consuming and keeps vegetation at a stable amount.