Scientists have discovered a new extinct species of toothed whale. College of Charleston reports.
Five new skulls have been discovered near Charleston, South Carolina. Two new types Coronadon planifrons And coronadon newtonorum, were found in the same geological layer, and both lived in the late Oligocene, 25-23 million years ago. previously known species Coronadon Havestein It lived 30-28 million years ago and is a possible ancestor of the two previous species. Coronadon planifrons it got its name from the flat “forehead”. coronadon newtonorum Until the latest find, it was known for its single skull and lower jaw, small teeth, and an unusually shaped mouth that made it look like it was constantly smiling.
new samples Coronadon Havestein Includes one adult and two calves. The discovery of offspring is particularly important because it allows monitoring of development throughout life, which is crucial to the study of evolution. Unlike modern dolphins and baleen whales, this species’ snout remains the same length during growth and does not grow as it matures. This is probably due to their large teeth.
In addition, it turned out that there are whales. Coronadon It had a very large head for the body and swam in the same way as modern baleen whales. They probably also had flexible jaws and skull joints similar to those normally required to filter plankton. The scientists say these observations are important in understanding how whales transitioned from hunting to filtering with bale.
Previously, biologists confirmed that moths have “tails.” work like traps for bats