Scientists have found a new candidate for the title of the heaviest animal on planet Earth. The weight of the whale could be approximately 200 tons.
This is reported by the BBC with reference to the reports of scientists.
This animal is known as the Basilosaurus. The scientists named the new species Perucetus colossus.
Researchers say that only some of the largest specimens of blue whales could match the weight of this whale. His bones were dug up in the desert in southern Peru.
After studying the remains of the animal, scientists estimated the approximate period when the whale lived – about 39 million years ago.
“The fossils were actually discovered 13 years ago, but their size and shape meant it took three years to get them to Lima (Peru’s capital) where they have been studied ever since,” noted Dr Eli Amson.
