The whale with legs shows how little we know about Earth ’s fantastical past | Riley Black

The excavation of the extraordinary fossilPeregocetus pacificus in Peru is a reminder of the wonders still awaiting discoveryWhales used to live on land. This fact never ceases to amaze me. Even though every living species of cetacean – from the immense blue whale to the river dolphins of the Amazon basin – is entirely aquatic, there were times when the word “whale” applied entirely to amphibious, crocodile-like beasts that splashed around at the water’s edge. This week, paleontologistsnamed another.Related:Fossil of ancient four-legged whale with hooves discoveredContinue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - April 5, 2019 Category: Science Authors: Riley Black Tags: Fossils Evolution Biology Science World news Peru Source Type: news