Archaic baleen whale from the Kokoamu Greensand: earbones distinguish a new late Oligocene mysticete (Cetacea: Mysticeti) from New Zealand
Journal
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Journal Volume
46
Journal Issue
2
Pages
117-138
ISSN
0303-6758
Date Issued
2016-05-31
Author(s)
Fordyce R.E
Abstract
†Whakakai waipata is a new genus and species of Mysticeti from the Kokoamu Greensand (Chattian, Late Oligocene, 25–27 Ma) of ‘The Earthquakes’, North Otago. The holotype of †Whakakai waipata is a partial skull, periotics, tympanic bulla, vertebrae and scapula. The earbone morphology of †Whakakai waipata shows a unique combination of diagnostic features including: massive periotic; flange of posterior process and caudal tympanic process flooring stapedial muscle fossa; and an elongated stylomastoid fossa that invades the robust posterior process of the periotic. The tympanoperiotic features in †Whakakai waipata suggest a different acoustic niche from other Oligocene mysticetes, and by inference different feeding habits and habitat.
Subjects
Ecology
fossil
hearing
morphology
skull
tympanoperiotic
SDGs
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Asia Pacific
Type
journal article