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Paleontologists have discovered a new 25-million-year-old whale species, Janjucetus dullardi, from a fossil found on an Australian beach. This small, but fierce, prehistoric whale, with shark-like features, represents a crucial link in whale evolution. The discovery, made by amateur fossil hunter Ross Dullard, adds to the understanding of early whale evolution and adaptation to warmer oceans, offering insights into how modern marine life might respond to climate change. Janjucetus dullardi is only the fourth identified species from the mammalodontid group, a critical stage in the whale lineage.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.