follow us:
Scientists have discovered a new marine mammal species, Ontocetus posti, which lived 2.2 million years ago.
Scientists have discovered a new marine mammal species, Ontocetus posti, which lived 2.2 million years ago. Led by Dr. Mathieu Boisville of the University of Tsukuba, this find sheds new light on walrus evolution and the effects of environmental changes on marine life.
Fossils unearthed in Norwich, UK, and Antwerp, Belgium, were initially misidentified but revealed distinctive features of Ontocetus posti. The newly discovered Ontocetus posti showcases distinct traits, including four post-canine teeth, a larger lower canine, and a short, fused mandibular symphysis.
These features suggest it was a suction feeder, akin to modern walruses. Dr. Boisville notes that this discovery illustrates convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to comparable environmental pressures.
The presence of Ontocetus posti in the North Atlantic reveals a compelling migration narrative. It is thought that Ontocetus originated in the North Pacific and moved to the Atlantic through the now-closed Central American Seaway.
As the climate cooled and the seaway closed during the Late Pliocene, environmental changes likely led to Ontocetus’s extinction by the Early Pleistocene, paving the way for the modern walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, in the Arctic.
The discovery of Ontocetus posti is vital for understanding Walrus evolution and past environmental impacts on marine mammals. It highlights how species adapt to climate changes and provides insights into how current and future climate shifts might influence marine life.
By studying extinct species, we enhance our understanding of marine mammal evolution and better inform conservation strategies for existing species. This discovery paves the way for further research on pinnipeds such as seals, sea lions, and walruses.
Future studies could investigate additional Pleistocene deposits to reveal more about marine mammal diversity. Each new find enhances our understanding of oceanic life history, providing valuable insights into both past and present marine ecosystems.
