A student from high school from Alabama, named Lindsey Stallworth, and her professor, Andrew Gentry, an expert in evolutionary biology at Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, made a surprising archaeological discovery during a summer.
They unearthed a whale skull that dates back to the Eocene epoch, a geological period that occurred approximately 34 million years ago.
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Lindsey, just 16 years old, demonstrated an impressive level of scientific curiosity and dedication by being involved in such a significant project during the summer holidays. Her teacher, Andrew, also played a key role, guiding and assisting her in research and excavation.
Initially, researchers, led by Gentry and Stallworth, found bones that could not be immediately identified.
Uncertainty hung over the nature of these finds until, after careful removal of the surrounding rock, a tooth of remarkable size was exposed.
This tooth was the key to unlocking the enigma of the bones found. The team wasted no time and shared images of this intriguing find with an expert.
His experience was instrumental in confirming that the fossil belonged to a carnivorous whale. Prior knowledge of the excavation site's geological timeline was crucial to accurately and effectively establishing the age of the fossil.
The skull of a whale discovered in Alabama remains shrouded in mystery as to its exact species. The region's ancient seas were inhabited by giant Basilosauridae whales.
However, it is unclear whether this specimen belongs to an as yet unidentified species within this family. The researchers only excavated the skull.
It is partially covered in stone and determining the species will require a few more months of study. Furthermore, the whale's skull is currently located at the Alabama School of Math and Science.
There, additional research is ongoing. Finally, the research team plans to continue their excavations next year, maintaining the expectation that more parts of the skeleton can be discovered.
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