Article: Fossil law tells tale of whale evolution.(disovery in India pushes whale origin back in time)(Brief Article)

Paleontologists have unveiled the fossilized lower jaw of an ancient whale from India that, they claim, pushes the origin of these marine mammals back before 53.5 million years ago, earlier than previously thought. This primitive species provides new information on the profound evolutionary transformation that turned a group of four-legged land mammals into modern cetaceans--the whales, dolphins, and porpoises inhabiting the ocean today--say the researchers.

Other paleontologists, however, question the dating of the Indian fossil and whether it adds much to the story of whale origins.

Indian scientists found the controversial jaw bone more than 12 ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!