Waipatia maerewhenua is a species of primitive whale belonging to the Odontocetes, the group of whales that includes dolphins and sperm whales, lived from the late Oligocene to the early Miocene, approximately 23 to 18 million years ago.
This species was discovered in New Zealand and is known from well-preserved fossils that have provided valuable information on the early evolution of odontocetes.
In terms of morphology, Waipatia maerewhenua was relatively small compared to modern whales, measuring around 4.5 meters and had an elongated snout and teeth in its upper jaw, a distinctive feature of odontocetes. However, unlike today's dolphins, Waipatia maerewhenua's teeth were quite primitive and had a simpler structure.
The specific name, "maerewhenua", refers to the location of the discovery, as it was discovered in the Maerewhenua formation of New Zealand. Fossils of Waipatia maerewhenua include parts of the skull, jaws and other skeletal features that have allowed paleontologists to reconstruct aspects of its anatomy and lifestyle.
Approximate measurements of the Waipatia:
This species was discovered in New Zealand and is known from well-preserved fossils that have provided valuable information on the early evolution of odontocetes.
In terms of morphology, Waipatia maerewhenua was relatively small compared to modern whales, measuring around 4.5 meters and had an elongated snout and teeth in its upper jaw, a distinctive feature of odontocetes. However, unlike today's dolphins, Waipatia maerewhenua's teeth were quite primitive and had a simpler structure.
The specific name, "maerewhenua", refers to the location of the discovery, as it was discovered in the Maerewhenua formation of New Zealand. Fossils of Waipatia maerewhenua include parts of the skull, jaws and other skeletal features that have allowed paleontologists to reconstruct aspects of its anatomy and lifestyle.
Approximate measurements of the Waipatia:
- Scale 1:35
- Length 103mm
- Height 45mm
- Snout-tail length 120 mm
- Scale 1:20
- Length 180mm
- Height 79mm
- Snout-tail length 210 mm
