Move over, blue whale. There is a new contender for the most massive animal in Earth's history.
"The main feature of this animal is certainly the extreme weight, which suggests that evolution can generate organisms that have characteristics that go beyond our imagination," said paleontologist Giovanni Bianucci of the University of Pisa in Italy, lead author of the research published in the journalThe minimum mass estimate for Perucetus was 85 tons, with an average estimate of 180 tons.
"Its fat, bloated body may have been more like that of a sirenian than of any living whale. Among sirenians, due to its giant size and probable similar lifestyle, it could recall Steller's sea cow, discovered in 1741 and exterminated by humans a few years later," Bianucci said. "Because of its heavy skeleton and, most likely, its very voluminous body, this animal was certainly a slow swimmer. This appears to me, at this stage of our knowledge, as a kind of peaceful giant, a bit like a super-sized manatee. It must have been a very impressive animal, but maybe not so scary," said paleontologist Olivier Lambert of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels.
The researchers said it was unlikely Perucetus was a filter-feeder like today's baleen whales including the blue whale.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
SOMA Labs' Rumble of Ancient Times is the chaotic neutral of synths | EngadgetSoma Labs Rumble of Ancient Times is a charming, affordable and unpredictable 8-bit synthesizer..
Baca lebih lajut »
Ancient treasures are being looted, but blockchain could help protect them | CNNThe technology that underpins cryptocurrencies could also help to identify ancient stolen treasure.
Baca lebih lajut »
Two ancient materials may help solve a modern energy dilemmaThe new superconductor is made from cement and carbon black could one day power homes and charge EVs on the road.
Baca lebih lajut »
310-million-year-old fossil of ancient spider species found in GermanyThe remains of this new species were discovered in Palaeozoic-aged strata dating back 310 to 315 million years.
Baca lebih lajut »