N.Z. researchers uncover unknown ancient whales
QMI Agency
First posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 02:50 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 02:55 PM EST
Two new species of ancient whale have been discovered in New Zealand.
Researchers have concluded that the remains of two whales found preserved in a rock formation in North Otago belong to a previously undiscovered genus.
It's believed they lived between 25 and 27 million years ago, when the continent was mostly, if not entirely, under water.
Geologists have named the genus Tohoaata -- Maori for "dawn whale."
"This new species differs from modern baleen whales in having a smaller braincase and a skull that is generally much more primitive, with substantially larger attachments for jaw muscles. The lower jaw retains a very large cavity, indicating that its hearing capabilities were similar to archaic whales," geology PhD student Robert Boessenecker said in a University of Otago press release.
University of Otago researchers have described a new genus of ancient baleen whales that they have named Tohoraata. (handout)
N.Z. researchers uncover unknown ancient whales | World | News | Toronto Sun
QMI Agency
First posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 02:50 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 02:55 PM EST
Two new species of ancient whale have been discovered in New Zealand.
Researchers have concluded that the remains of two whales found preserved in a rock formation in North Otago belong to a previously undiscovered genus.
It's believed they lived between 25 and 27 million years ago, when the continent was mostly, if not entirely, under water.
Geologists have named the genus Tohoaata -- Maori for "dawn whale."
"This new species differs from modern baleen whales in having a smaller braincase and a skull that is generally much more primitive, with substantially larger attachments for jaw muscles. The lower jaw retains a very large cavity, indicating that its hearing capabilities were similar to archaic whales," geology PhD student Robert Boessenecker said in a University of Otago press release.
University of Otago researchers have described a new genus of ancient baleen whales that they have named Tohoraata. (handout)
N.Z. researchers uncover unknown ancient whales | World | News | Toronto Sun