Scientists unearth ‘cute’ but fearsome ancient whale

AI Summary

Australian scientists discovered a new species of extinct whale, Janjucetus dullardi, from a well-preserved skull fossil found in Victoria in 2019. This dolphin-sized predator, dating back 26 million years, had sharp teeth and large eyes. It belonged to the mammalodontid family, small relatives of modern baleen whales. The discovery sheds light on whale evolution and adds to the growing collection of prehistoric whale fossils found along Victoria's Surf Coast.