Scotty's Palms is a fossil site located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was first discovered and extensively quarried around 19921993. Further examination showed a high species diversity, large leaf size, and a high leaf margin percentage. This indicated a mean annual temperature of 72º F (22º C). This, along with an abundance of fossil palm material suggested that this site was composed of leaf litter transported from a nearby tropical rainforest. The occurrence of the Scotty's Palm flora nearly 1 million years before the Castle Rock assemblage supports the concept that floral recovery from the KT boundary event was rapid in the region.

How does a fossil leaf's size tell us about past climate? Check out our video about fossil leaves to find out!    • Fossil Leaves | A New Way to Museum  

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