Paleontologists in Egypt have described a new species of extinct whale that was dwarfed by other basilosaurids.
A pint-size whale that lived 41 million years ago in what is now Egypt was the smallest of its kind and died young, leading researchers to name it after the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died at age 18.
Paleontologists discovered the whale's fossilized remains five years ago in the Fayum Depression, a desert basin near the Nile River in Egypt. After analyzing the extinct marine mammal's preserved skull, jaw, teeth and fragments of vertebrae, they determined that because the bones within its skull and vertebrae had already fused and its adult teeth were still emerging, it was nearing adulthood when it died, according to the study.
"We were lucky to have a complete set of T. rayanensis' lower teeth and discovered that it was almost-mature but still subadult," study co-author Abdullah Gohar, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Zoology at Mansoura University in Egypt, told Live Science."Its teeth had very smooth enamel, which is an indication of very soft feeding mainly on fish, squids, octopus and other not-fast-moving prey.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meet the tiny ancient whale named after King TutThe newly discovered Tutcetus rayanensis lived about 40 million years ago. It was just 2.5 meters long and weighed less than 200 kilograms.
Read more »
There's a Surprisingly Mundane Explanation For King Tut's CurseIn 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter found what he'd spent the last six years searching for: King Tutankhamun's tomb.
Read more »
On the heels of a heavy whale, paleontologists find a puny oneA 41-million-year-old basilosaurid named for King Tut is a mere 8 feet long.
Read more »
Director of King On Screen Documentary Reveals Her Favorite Stephen King Adaptation Was CutDaphné Baiwir, the director of the documentary King On Screen, discusses why her favorite Stephen King adaptation had to be cut from the film, despite its cult following.
Read more »
Elevate Your Streetwear Game With the Hottest Egyptian Streetwear Local BrandsDiscover the best local Egyptian streetwear brands that offer unique designs and fashion-forward aesthetics. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and style inspirations for all streetwear enthusiasts.
Read more »
Trio of Tiny Autonomous NASA Rovers to Launch to the Moon Next YearThree spacecraft will be sent to the moon with minimal guidance to explore lunar swirls and local magnetic fields. The mission will focus on the Reiner Gamma swirl located in Oceanus Procellarum, where temperatures can reach up to 237 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read more »