Scientists have discovered a prehistoric whale species with razor-sharp teeth off the coast of Australia. The fossil, named Janjucetus dullardi, was found in Victoria and is believed to have lived around 26 million years ago. Unlike modern whales, this ancient creature was a fast and sharp-toothed predator built for hunting.
The 2-meter-long whale had large forward-facing eyes about the size of tennis balls, a short snout, and sharp slicing teeth. It’s considered one of the earliest cousins of modern whales and sheds light on early marine mammal evolution. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of baleen whales and offers new clues to the region’s unique whale history.
The fossil was found by Victoria resident Ross Dullard in 2019, and its scientific importance led to a donation to Museums Victoria. Researchers used advanced CT scans to study the ear bones, revealing how early whales sensed their environment for hunting and navigating the oceans. This discovery marks the third known mammalodontid species from Victoria and the fourth found worldwide.
The find is significant because it opens a window into ancient whale evolution and provides new information on how these creatures adapted to life in the sea. The region’s unique fossil record is rewriting the story of how whales came to rule the oceans, with surprising discoveries yet to be made.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/whale-species-discovery-prehistoric-australia-b2806677.html