All articles tagged with #ancient whale
Scientists discovered a juvenile ancient whale called Janjucetus dullardi off Australia, dating back around 26 million years. This small, shark-like whale with big eyes and sharp teeth belonged to a family of small whales known as mammalodontids, and its discovery sheds light on whale evolution, especially in the region that has become a hotspot for such fossils.
Australian scientists discovered a well-preserved skull of a new ancient whale species, Janjucetus dullardi, dating back 26 million years. This small, sharp-toothed predator, described as 'deceptively cute,' provides insights into whale evolution and was named after a local who found the skull. The find highlights Victoria's Surf Coast as a significant site for studying early whale history.
Scientists discovered a new species of ancient whale, Janjucetus dullardi, in Australia, characterized by its small size, razor-sharp teeth, and large eyes, dating back about 25 million years. The fossil, found by a local resident, provides insights into whale evolution during a warm period in Earth's history and highlights the importance of public participation in paleontology.
Fossils of an ancient whale called Perucetus colossus, discovered in Peru, suggest it may be the heaviest animal ever, surpassing the blue whale. Living about 38-40 million years ago, Perucetus weighed up to 340 metric tonnes and measured around 20 meters in length. Its dense bones indicate it likely inhabited shallow coastal waters, similar to manatees. While lacking cranial and tooth remains, researchers believe Perucetus was a slow swimmer and a peaceful giant, resembling a super-sized manatee. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary diversity and evolution of ancient marine creatures.