Fossil of ancient 4 legged whale found

Hector Savage

The fossil of a 43-million-year-old whale with four legs, webbed feet and hooves has been discovered in Peru.

Palaeontologists believe the marine mammal's four-metre-long (13 ft) body was adapted to swim and walk on land.

With four limbs capable of carrying its weight and a powerful tail, the semi-aquatic whale has been compared to an otter or a beaver.

Researchers believe the discovery could shed light on the evolution of the whale and how it spread.

"This is the most complete specimen ever found for a four-legged whale outside of India and Pakistan," Dr Olivier Lambert, a scientist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and co-author of the study, said.......

full article - https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47822228

Interesting, always have been fascinated to think whales ancestors are from land and are closer to Hippos then fish (yes of course they are mammals, but still pretty amazing)