Scientists from Mansoura University (MUVP) have discovered a new species of extinct whale that lived in the ancient sea that covered the territory of modern Egypt about 41 million years ago. Research published in the journal Communication Biology.
Named species Tutcetus rayanensisfound in Middle Eocene limestone rocks about 41 million years old. genus name, Tutcetuscombines “Tut”, which refers to the deceased young Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, with “cetus”, which means “whale” in Greek.
Scientists discovered the whale’s skull, jaws, hyoid and vertebrae. Analysis of Thutzetus’ teeth and bones using computed tomography made it possible to establish a model for the growth and development of this species. At about 2.5 meters long and weighing about 187 kilograms, it was the smallest basilosaurid known to date.
basilosaurids (basilosauridae) – an ancient family of whales that transitioned to a purely aquatic lifestyle. The new species became one of the oldest representatives of these animals in Africa. The discovery provided valuable information about the whales’ transition to a purely aquatic lifestyle.
Scientists suggest that the modern Egyptian city of El Faiyum was an important breeding ground for ancient whales. Perhaps it attracted them with its warm climate. These studies suggest that basilosaurids spread rapidly throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Examining the older rocks of El Faiyum may reveal even older whale fossils.
Formerly at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean found unknown ecosystem