Scientists have discovered a 25 million-year-old fossil of an ancient whale that resembles a Pokémon, complete with bulging eyes the size of tennis balls and a shark-like snout. The discovery was made on an Australian beach in 2019 and has allowed researchers to identify a new species of early whale known as Janjucetus dullardi.
The juvenile specimen was only about 3 meters long and had a unique set of teeth and ear bones that suggest it was a fierce predator. Unlike modern whales, which are gentle giants, this ancient creature was built for hunting and had powerful jaws.
Researchers believe that the discovery of Janjucetus dullardi could unlock secrets of whale evolution and provide insights into how prehistoric whales adapted to warmer oceans. The species is thought to have lived during the Oligocene Epoch, about 34 to 23 million years ago, and is an early branch on the line that led to today’s great baleen whales.
The discovery was made by amateur fossil hunter Ross Dullard, who found a tooth protruding from a cliff at Jan Juc Beach in Australia. He sent photos of the find to Museums Victoria, where researchers were able to confirm that it belonged to a new species. The species is named after Dullard, and the researchers have hailed him as a rock star for his discovery.
The discovery of Janjucetus dullardi is significant because it provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of whales. Fossils of ancient whales are rare, but they offer a unique window into the past. The discovery also has implications for our understanding of how marine life might respond to climate change in warmer oceans.
Overall, the discovery of Janjucetus dullardi is an exciting find that sheds new light on the evolution of whales and provides insights into their behavior and adaptations.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/whale-fossil-australia-prehistoric-janjucetus-dullardi-victoria-fa2559969c8609f5e3783054b4558375