Scientists say they have found a 43-million-year-old son fossil of a whale ancestor in Egypt. Fossil remains help show how the ancestors of modern whales could have gone from living on land to living in water.
A team of researchers led by Egypt made the discovery.
The newly found whale belongs to the group Protocetidae. This is a group of ancestral whale ancestors who may have lived on land and in water.
The fossil was found in the Fayum Depression in the western desert of Egypt. Once the area was covered by a sea. Scientists have made many discoveries that have provided more information about the evolution of whales.
The new spices it is called Phiomicetus Anubis. It is estimated to be three meters long and weighed about 600 kilograms. The researchers said it fed on other animals. It is the oldest known whale ancestor in Africa.
“Phiomicetus anubis is a key new species of whales, and critical discovery for Egyptians and Africans paleontologysaid Abdullah Gohar of the Center for Vertebrate Paleontology at Mansoura University (MUVP). He is the lead author of an article on the fossil.
According to researchers, the evolution of whales in Africa is still largely unknown. But work in the area can provide new information about evolutionary change amphibians to fully aquatic whales.
The rocks of the Fayum Depression cover a period of 12 million years. Researchers have found “semi-aquatic crocodile whales like completely aquatic giant whales,” Mohamed Sameh said. He is a member of the Egyptian Agency for Environmental Affairs and also a writer for the study. The research also raises questions about ancient environments.
Part of the name of the whale honors the Fayum Depression. The name of the species comes from Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god connected with the afterlife.
I’m Dan Novak.
Mahmoud Mourad reported this story to Reuters. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. he was the editor.
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Words in this story
fossil – n. the remains of an ancient living thing turned into a mineral
amphibians – adj. able to live both on land and in water
evolution – n. a theory that the differences between modern plants and animals are due to changes that went through a natural process for a long time
spices – n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants
key – adj. something that provides an explanation or solution
critical –Adj. extremely important
aquatic – adj. who lives or is near water