Ancient whale from Peru may be most massive animal ever on Earth

Whales evolved a bit more than 50 million years ago from hoofed, land-dwelling mammals as big as a medium-sized dog.

Perucetus colossus, an early whale from Peru that lived about 38-40 million years ago, a marine mammal built somewhat like a manatee that may have exceeded the mass of the blue whale, long considered the heftiest animal on record, is seen in an undated artist's rendition.

Perucetus colossus, an early whale from Peru that lived about 38-40 million years ago, a marine mammal built somewhat like a manatee that may have exceeded the mass of the blue whale, long considered the heftiest animal on record, is seen in an undated artist's rendition.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

ByREUTERS

AUGUST 2, 2023 18:57

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