Why tiny teeth fossils near Colorado Springs might revise our understanding of early mammal life ...

A discovery by paleontologists working in Colorado is giving scientists a slightly revised history of primates. That’s the group of mammals that includes apes – and humans. Scientists working at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs recently discovered tiny teeth ( https://www.discovermagazine.com/tiny... ) and bone fragments belonging to a species called Purgatorius. Purgatorius was an early and distant cousin of humans. It thrived 65 million years ago – not long after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. Purgatorius fossils had never been found as far south as Colorado ( https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases... ) before this recent dig. And scientists say the discovery suggests that, once dinosaurs were out of the picture, mammals may have thrived more quickly – and over a wider swath of the planet – than previously understood. Jordan Crowell is a postdoctoral fellow with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science ( https://www.dmns.org/ ) who worked with dozens of volunteers and other scientists on the dig near Colorado Springs. He spoke with Erin O’Toole in March about what they found, and why scientists are excited by the discovery. We’re listening back to that conversation today. * * * * Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org ( http://kunc.org/ ) Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] ( [email protected] ) Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks! Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado. In The NOCO Episode 934 July 8, 2026 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce866995 ★ Additional episodes: https://www.kunc.org/podcast/inthenoco