Whale graveyard dating back five million years discovered
Summary
Scientists discovered a huge whale graveyard in the southeastern Indian Ocean that stretches about 1,200 km long and lies 7 km deep underwater. The site contains whale fossils up to 5.3 million years old and many new species of animals living on the whale remains.Key Facts
- The whale graveyard is located in the Diamantina fracture zone on the sea floor.
- It covers about 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) in length and is 7 kilometers (4 miles) deep.
- Fossils found date back as far as 5.3 million years.
- Researchers come from China, Italy, and New Zealand.
- They collected samples from 485 whale fossil sites during 32 dives.
- One extinct whale species found is Pterocetus benguelae.
- A new whale species named Pterocetus diamantinae was discovered at the site.
- Jellyfish, worms, and crustaceans live on and around the whale remains.
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