There’s a giant in the ocean. But even he was once dwarfed by a beast.
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where we learn about an ‘entity’ that was even bigger than the blue whale.
For centuries, the blue whale has held the title of being the largest animal of all time. It’s no wonder, with its length of more than 100 feet, and weight of more than 200 tonnes. But recently, paleontologists have discovered an even bigger cetacean – a shorter, but heavier species that lived over 37 million years ago.
Dubbed Perucetus colossus, since it once swam off the coast of ancient Peru, this roughly 60-foot-long whale weighed as much as 340 tonnes – that’s equivalent to two blue whales!
A study published on August 2, 2023, in the journal Nature, described how paleontologists from the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, found a partial skeleton about 13 years ago, in the Ica Valley in Peru. But the find didn’t raise any flags, since the bones appeared so large, researchers mistook them for boulders!
Once they analysed thin sections of fragments, they discovered the rocks were in fact bones. Work then began to find the entire Perucetus – paleontologists excavated 13 vertebrae, four ribs and part of its hip. Through estimates, they were able to deduce its incredible mass.
So, what did such a massive beast eat?
Researchers are unsure, according to a report in the National Geographic. A giant like the Perucetus likely needed an enormous quantity of food, but its diet is still unknown. Since its skull hasn’t been found, it’s difficult for scientists to know whether it was a bottom feeder and had teeth to feed on hard-shelled prey.
Time, and future discoveries, will tell. For now, the blue whale gives up its crown to the Perucetus, which now holds the title of the biggest animal that ever graced the Earth.
What do you think of this gigantic ancient whale? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
