On May 20, a paleontologist in Irvine, California came upon something truly remarkable. The researcher was performing a routine examination at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill when she discovered bones and teeth.
On May 20, a paleontologist in Irvine, California came upon something truly remarkable.
The researcher was performing the standard examination at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill when she discovered bones and teeth, reports the Orange County Register.
According to Smithsonian.com, a closer study of the jaw, flipper, and skull pieces revealed they dated back upwards of 12 million years and belonged to an approximately 40-foot-long sperm whale.
The animal is the largest of its kind and age found in the US and some of the fossils found will soon be placed on display.
While Irvine is now roughly 1,300 feet above sea level, back then, it was lower and covered by water, notes the Los Angeles Times.
The region has historically been a favorable environment for the whales, providing the resources needed for them to diversify and grow.
