ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Ever wonder what New Mexico looked like before dinosaurs roamed the earth? Local paleontologists have been studying fossils and renovating a new space at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science to bring visitors a first-hand look at the prehistoric southwest. This week, the museum’s Curator of Paleontology, Dr. Spencer Lucas, joins Chris and Gabby to talk about their latest exhibit “Ancient Life,” painting a picture of some never-before-seen collections and creatures that’ll soon be on display.  Dr. Lucas describes what scientists believe New Mexico's landscape looked like millions of years ago. "If we talk like from about 400 to 500 million [years ago], there was a sea, various seas that only went maybe as far north as Truth or Consequences," explained Dr. Lucas. "So north of that, New Mexico was dry land. In the earlier part of that interval, 500-400, we don't think much was living on land. And by that, I mean globally," said Dr. Lucas. "By about 400 million [years ago], the first forests appeared," he added. "And you have to remember at this time, New Mexico is virtually at sea level. Part of it is below sea level in the southern part of the state." Learn about the scientific history paleontologists like Dr. Lucas have been studying, and more about what the public can expect to see at the museum in the full discussion above. "The beauty of this exhibit is we're gonna teach you about 250 million years of New Mexico history in 3,000 square feet," Dr. Lucas said. Story continues below Don't Miss: New Mexico artists’ house named a National Historic Landmark News: Rio Communities Fire Department speaks about volunteer firefighter killed over the weekend Community: City asks for public input on new 2050 downtown redevelopment plan Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can now watch our podcasts in video form both on-air or online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE's YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term “KRQE” or “New Mexico News Insiders” (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at [email protected] or [email protected].