Palaeontologists in Egypt have uncovered the fossil of an extinct, diminutive whale species in Whale Valley. The find comes shortly after the announcement of a massive ancient whale discovery. This “tiny” fossil, named Tutcetus rayanensis after King Tut, dates back around 41 million years and belonged to the basilosaurid family. Basilosaurids represent a group of fully aquatic whales that evolved from land-dwelling ancestors, and this find sheds light on their early transition. Weighing about 412 pounds and measuring around eight feet in length, this species showcases the evolutionary journey of whales from terrestrial to marine habitats.
Prelims pointer
- Basilosaurid: A type of extinct whale belonging to the family Basilosauridae. These fully aquatic whales lived during a transitional period when whales were shifting from land to sea and had characteristics such as flippers, strong tails, and even hind limbs.
- Wadi el-Hitan: Also known as Whale Valley, it is a location in Egypt known for its rich fossil deposits of ancient whales. These fossils provide insights into the evolution of whales and their transition from land to sea.
- Eocene Period: A geological epoch that occurred about 56 to 33.9 million years ago. It was a time when many modern mammal groups, including whales, were evolving and diversifying.
- Hyoid Bone: A bone in the throat that supports the tongue and is important for swallowing and speech. The presence and shape of the hyoid bone in fossils can provide clues about an animal’s physiology and habits.
- Species Growth Reconstruction: Scientists studied the teeth and bones of the fossil using scanning techniques to reconstruct the growth and development of the species. This analysis helped reveal insights into its life history and potential factors that influenced its size and lifespan.
