Regardless of its gross nature, poop actually helped and continue to help fertilize Earth. Looking back, the giant mammals that once roamed the planet pooped across the land, fertilizing soil along the way.
Underwater, whales and other giant sea creatures also left huge amount of waste that kept the oceans fertile.
Migrating mammals, fish and birds helped transport nutrients from one place to another through their waste.
“This broken global cycle may weaken ecosystem health, fisheries, and agriculture,” said co-author Joe Roman, University of Vermont’s biologist.
A fertilized ecosystem is also vital to humans. The study showed that restoring or increasing the whale population can lead to the waters’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide caused by climate change.