A new species of four-legged whale fossils found in Africa

Very recently, marine scientists have found proof of a new species of four-legged whale that existed more than 43 million years ago. While South Asia and Peru have already reported unearthing of skeletons of four-legged whales, Africa recently made a similar discovery. An incomplete frame of fossils was uncovered from the Eocene rocks in the region of Fayum Depression in Egypt’s West desert in August 2021 by a group of scientists from the Mansoura University.

These experts from the department of Vertebrate Paleontology also observed that the now desert area was once under water. The strange mammal was thereafter given a scientific name Phiomicetus Anubis, as its skull kind of resembled the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god of death, mummification and afterlife, Anubis. This four-legged mammal is believed to be the earliest type of semi-aquatic whale to be discovered in Africa.

Significance of the discovery
The findings of the fossils give researchers a better insight into the mammal’s transition from its terrestrial to aquatic life. Scientists believe that until recent times, there was no proper knowledge about the whales of this era, that too with four legs. But now, this discovery will give a clear picture after much inspection.

Unique features of the mammal

The predecessors of modern whales evolved from mammals resembling our terrestrial deers that lived roughly for a period of 10 million years.
The Proceedings of the Royal Society B’s recent study reveals that the estimated weight of the four-legged whale was half a tonne or 600kg and its length was 10 feet.
The four-legged whale had webbed feet and hooves that enabled them to both walk on land and swim in water.
The researchers have claimed that the fossil came from the Protocetidae family, which is essentially a family of extinct whales that are known for their transition from being an amphibian to being an underwater mammal.
The scientists have further noted that this whale may have been one of the most potent predators known to catch its prey with the help of its immensely strong jaws.
The whale has been jokingly compared to an otter or a beaver by the marine biologists, courtesy its four limbs supporting its mammoth body weight and a powerful tail.