4.2" Carpolithus SP Seed 66-56 Mil Yrs Old Paleocene Age Raton Formation Colorado

Carpolithus is a genus of fossil seeds that belongs to the family Fabaceae. These seeds are commonly found in Paleocene sediments, which date back to approximately 66 to 56 million years ago. Las Animas County, located in southeastern Colorado, is known for its rich deposits of Paleocene sediments that contain a diverse array of plant and animal fossils.

One particular study conducted in Las Animas County focused on the identification and analysis of Carpolithus seeds found in the area. The study aimed to determine the taxonomic affinity of these seeds and their potential use as paleoenvironmental indicators. The researchers used a combination of morphological and anatomical features to identify the Carpolithus seeds and compared them to other known species within the Fabaceae family.

The results of the study showed that the Carpolithus seeds found in Las Animas County were most similar to those of the modern-day genus Cassia. This suggests that Cassia or a closely related ancestor was present in the area during the Paleocene epoch. Additionally, the researchers noted that the presence of Carpolithus seeds in certain sediment layers may indicate a wetter climate during that time period.