Paleontologists have made a significant discovery in northwest Colorado, uncovering a fossil that reveals a new species of mammal from the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs thrived in the region. This important find occurred near Rangely, approximately 18 miles from the Utah state line.
The research team, led by Jaelyn Eberle, a Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, documented their findings in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, highlighting the fossil’s significance in understanding prehistoric life in Colorado.
The mammal fossil consists of a piece of jawbone and three molar teeth, unearthed from a slab of sandstone. John Foster and ReBecca Hunt-Foster, co-authors of the study, have been excavating fossils in the area for about 15 years.
Foster expressed his excitement upon discovering the fossil in the sandstone slab, noting its unexpected size. Fossils from this time period are rare in Colorado, making this discovery particularly noteworthy and providing valuable information about the past.
Paleontologists Discover New Cretaceous Mammal Species Enhancing Understanding of Prehistoric EcosystemsThe new species, named Heleocola piceanus, is estimated to have lived around 70 to 75 million years ago, during a time when much of the American West was covered by a vast inland sea.
The site of the discovery indicates it was located where land and water converged, possibly resembling the ecosystems of modern-day Louisiana. This finding contributes essential knowledge about the environment in which this mammal lived and how it interacted with its surroundings.
In terms of physical characteristics, Heleocola piceanus is believed to be a relative of today’s marsupials, weighing approximately two pounds and comparable in size to a muskrat.
Jaelyn Eberle pointed out that this size is surprisingly large for mammals of that period, as most mammals from the Cretaceous were typically the size of modern mice or rats. This discovery suggests a broader range of mammalian sizes and adaptations during an era dominated by dinosaurs.
The identification of Heleocola piceanus enhances our understanding of the prehistoric ecosystem and the diversity present in Colorado millions of years ago.
This fossil not only sheds light on the evolutionary history of mammals but also underscores the importance of ongoing paleontological research in uncovering the intricacies of ancient life. As scientists continue to study this find, it may provide further insights into the relationships between mammals and the dominant dinosaur species of that time.