Paleontologists uncovered the skull of a ferocious marine predator. The skull belongs to an ancient mammal that once lived in a prehistoric ocean which is now part of Peru.
The skull was dug up in perfect condition from Peru’s southern Ocucaje desert. It has rows of long, pointy teeth and is believed to be 36 million years old.
Scientists think the ancient mammal was a basilosaurus. It’s descendants include whales, dolphins and porpoises. Basilosaurus means “king lizard” and although it was not a reptile, it probably moved like a giant snake.
This ferocious mammal was once the top predator, measuring in at 39 feet long- equivalent to a 4 story building.
“It was a marine monster,” said Salas, adding the skull, which has already been put on display at the university’s museum, may belong to a new species of basilosaurus.
When an asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and wiped out most life, including the dinosaurs, the ancient basilosaurus died as well. Its skull likely sunk to the bottom of the sea floor, where it was quickly buried and preserved.
During the time of it’s death, the conditions for fossilization were very good. This made the preservation of the skull an amazing find for the Paleontologists.
