From The Japan Times · No Author · · 1m 10s
New Sperm Whale Species Found in Gunma Fossils
Scientists identify Miophyseter gunmaensis, a new sperm whale species from 15.5-million-year-old fossils in Gunma Prefecture.
In brief
Scientists identify Miophyseter gunmaensis, a new sperm whale species from 15.5-million-year-old fossils in Gunma Prefecture. Fossils from Gunma Prefecture reveal a new sperm whale species that combined deep-diving traits with biting feeding habits. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
New Sperm Whale Species
Scientists identified a new sperm whale species from fossils found in Gunma Prefecture dating back 15.5 million years.
Species Named Miophyseter gunmaensis
The species combines traits of ancient and modern sperm whales, making it the third new species found in Japan from fossils.
Fossils Discovered in Gunma
Local fossil enthusiasts found three specimens between 1994 and 2011 along the Tone River tributaries in Gunma Prefecture.
One Specimen is a Calf
One fossil includes nearly a complete skeleton of a calf measuring 3 to 4 meters long.
Skull Features for Deep Dives
The species had a large skull depression to withstand deep water pressure and well-developed throat bones for suction feeding.
Mixed Feeding Strategy
It also had more teeth than modern sperm whales, suggesting it used both suction and biting to feed.
The bottom line
Fossils from Gunma Prefecture reveal a new sperm whale species that combined deep-diving traits with biting feeding habits.
