Waseda researchers discover the world's oldest true dolphin species – rewrite the known fossil record
Diagram of the ancient dolphin's asymmetrical skull (by Mizuki Murakami)
In an article published in the “Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology”, Waseda Department of Earth Sciences researchers (lead author Mizuki Murakami) conclude that the specimen, which was originally categorized in 1977 as Stenella kabatensis, actually belongs to the Eodelphis kabatensis species.
This means that true dolphins existed 2 to 7 million years earlier than had been previously suggested by fossil records, and aligns with the results of molecular studies.
This work also includes the most comprehensive analysis yet of the relationships within the group of marine mammals that encompasses toothed whales such as orcas and sperm whales.
In another study, Murakami and a team of researchers also described the oldest known dolphin fossil with an asymmetrical skull, and created a new simulation of their evolution.
It has been accepted theory that dolphin ancestors earlier than 10 million years ago all had symmetrical skulls, and that asymmetry was the result of subsequent evolution. This study suggests a different evolutionary path for the marine mammals.
Media Contact
All latest news from the category: Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences (also referred to as Geosciences), which deals with basic issues surrounding our planet, plays a vital role in the area of energy and raw materials supply.
Earth Sciences comprises subjects such as geology, geography, geological informatics, paleontology, mineralogy, petrography, crystallography, geophysics, geodesy, glaciology, cartography, photogrammetry, meteorology and seismology, early-warning systems, earthquake research and polar research.
Newest articles
Parallel Paths: Understanding Malaria Resistance in Chimpanzees and Humans
The closest relatives of humans adapt genetically to habitats and infections Survival of the Fittest: Genetic Adaptations Uncovered in Chimpanzees Görlitz, 10.01.2025. Chimpanzees have genetic adaptations that help them survive…
You are What You Eat—Stanford Study Links Fiber to Anti-Cancer Gene Modulation
The Fiber Gap: A Growing Concern in American Diets Fiber is well known to be an important part of a healthy diet, yet less than 10% of Americans eat the minimum recommended…
Trust Your Gut—RNA-Protein Discovery for Better Immunity
HIRI researchers uncover control mechanisms of polysaccharide utilization in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) in Würzburg have identified a…