Scientists have recently discovered the remains of an ancient colossal whale in Peru, which may be the heaviest animal to have ever lived.
Over the past decade, researchers have been excavating the fossils of this new species, called Perucetus colossus, in the Ica desert in Peru. The findings were published in a Nature journal on August 2.
The study reveals that this ancient giant weighed between 94 and 375 tons (85 and 340 metric tons) and had a length of around 66 feet (20 meters).
The Perucetus colossus is believed to be “possibly the heaviest animal ever,” according to study author Eli Amson, a paleontologist at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany, although it may not have been the longest.
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If confirmed, the Peruvian whale would surpass the blue whale as the heaviest animal ever discovered. Blue whales, which can weigh around 200 tons (180 metric tons) and reach lengths of more than 100 feet (30 meters), currently hold the title.
Hans Thewissen, a paleontologist at Northeast Ohio Medical University, commented on the finding, stating that it is “exciting to see such a giant animal that’s so different from anything we know.”
The bones of the ancient whale were first discovered by Mario Urbina from the University of San Marcos’ Natural History Museum in Lima more than a decade ago. An international team of researchers has since been excavating the fossils in the Peruvian desert, known for its abundance of marine fossils.
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So far, the team has uncovered 13 vertebrae, four ribs, and a hip bone, each weighing over 220 pounds and measuring nearly 5 feet long.
The fossils of the Perucetus colossus are around 39 million years old and have fascinated paleontologists due to their unique characteristics.
The researchers have used 3D scanners to study the surface of the bones and have drilled into them for further analysis.
By examining the partial skeleton, the scientists have estimated the size and weight of the whale.
The Peruvian whale is believed to be heavier than the blue whale due to the density and weight of its bones, according to Amson.
The density of the bones suggests that this whale likely inhabited shallow, coastal waters. Other coastal dwellers, such as manatees, have heavy bones which help them stay close to the seafloor, according to the authors.
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Amson mentioned that without the skull, it is difficult to determine the whale’s feeding habits and how it sustained its massive body.
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The ancient whale’s diet may have consisted of scavenging for food or consuming large quantities of krill and other tiny sea creatures.
Thewissen speculated that this whale may have had a completely different feeding method that has yet to be discovered.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.