Newly Described Fossil Whale Species in New Zealand (IMAGE)

University of Otago

Newly Described Fossil Whale Species in New Zealand

Caption

Artistic depictions of two newly described fossil baleen whales, Tokarahia kauaeroa (top center), and Waharoa ruwhenua (bottom center), with photographs of respective fossil skulls. The whales are eomysticetid -- a family occupying an important position in the evolutionary tree of cetaceans -- and Tokarahia appears to be a transitional fossil between primitive toothed baleen whales and modern baleen whales.

Credit

<i>Tokarahia kauaeroa</i>: Chris Gaskin; University of Otago Geology Museum <br><i>Waharoa ruwhenua</i>: Robert Boessenecker

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