Atklāta 5 miljonu gadu sena vaļu kapsēta
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered a massive underwater whale necropolis featuring a new species and fossils dating back millions of years. According to study author Siaotuns Pengs, the scale, depth, and age range of the graveyard were far larger than the team initially imagined.
The team conducted 32 dives to collect samples from 485 whale fossil sites and active whale falls. These efforts revealed a massive bone hoard, including the skeleton of an extinct whale.
What was found in the whale graveyard?
The site yielded a 5.3 million-year-old skull from the extinct Pterocetus benguelae. The largest individual discovery was the carcass of an Antarctic minke whale measuring five meters in length.
Researchers also identified a previously unknown species. The team named this new find Pterocetus diamantinae after the location of the discovery.
The site currently supports a living ecosystem. Jellyfish, worms, and crustaceans were found living off the cluster of carcasses.
Why is this discovery significant?
Steven J. Goodby of the Calvert Marine Museum described the find as a unique discovery in the journal Nature. He noted that the site appears to hide many other findings despite having limited accessibility.
Goodby compared the research paper to a trailer for the first film in an epic movie series. He expressed hope that the discovery would lead to more “box office hits” in the form of future finds.
What could happen next in this region?
The discovery is likely to inspire further underwater diving expeditions in similar environments. Because the site is believed to hide additional finds, researchers may seek expanded access to the area.
Future missions could potentially uncover more skeletons of extinct species or provide more data on the Pterocetus diamantinae.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Pterocetus benguelae skull found at the site?
The skull is 5.3 million years old.
What is the name of the new whale species discovered?
The new species is named Pterocetus diamantinae.
What is the largest carcass found in the necropolis?
The largest find was a five-meter-long Antarctic minke whale.
Do you think more extinct species are waiting to be found in the deep ocean?