A team of paleontologists from Peru has recently unearthed a prehistoric sperm whale skull in the Ocucaje Desert, Peru. This complete skull, complete with teeth and jaws, has existed in this desert region for approximately 7 million years.
The sperm whale skull found in the Ocucaje Desert, Peru.
Researcher Aldo Benites-Palomino stated that the strong teeth and jaws of the newly excavated skull indicate that the ancestors of sperm whales may have fed on objects other than squid and small fish.
“This is the best-preserved skull of its kind known in the world to date. Fossils of these animals have been found across the oceans for over 150 years. However, the discoveries made prior were almost always limited to teeth or very small fragments.
Since 2008, we have been conducting specialized research with this group in the Ocucaje Desert, and we have found several species, but this specimen behind me is the most typical example of the animal we have encountered so far. This creature is extremely fascinating because, unlike modern sperm whales that primarily eat squid or small fish, this animal possesses all the characteristics of a carnivorous creature, with very powerful bites and well-developed teeth.”
According to researchers, the newly excavated skull, measuring 1.3 meters in length, belongs to an adult sperm whale estimated to be between 5 to 5.5 meters long. This skull will be exhibited at the National Museum of History in Lima, Peru.
