The blue whale and other baleen whales, the gentle giants of the sea, sift huge quantities of tiny prey from ocean water using a filter-feeding system in their mouths. But they were not the first marine creatures to feed like that.
Artist's reconstruction shows the Triassic Period marine reptile Hupehsuchus nanchangensis, based on fossils unearthed in China's Hubei Province. Hupehsuchus is believed to have been a filter-feeder, akin to some of today's baleen whales. Shi Shunyi and Long Cheng/Handout via REUTERS NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY...of the sea, sift huge quantities of tiny prey from ocean water using a filter-feeding system in their mouths.
Unlike the blue whale, today's largest animal, Hupehsuchus was modest in size, about three feet long. It possessed a long and narrow snout, toothless mouth, front and back limbs that could serve as paddles for steering, and a broad tail that it flipped from side to side for forward propulsion. Baleen does not lend itself well to fossilization and none was found in the Hupehsuchus fossils. But the researchers identified grooves and notches along the edges of its jaws suggesting the presence of soft tissues that could have served like baleen.
This feeding style would match that used by modern bowhead and right whales, which swim with their mouth open near the ocean surface to strain small prey from the seawater.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
In the long fight to deregulate natural hair braiding, one Olney salon owner scores a winMaimouna Thiam, who runs an Olney salon, successfully sued the state, declaring PA's licensing requirements for natural hair braiders —m300h training, English language exam — was unconstitutional.
Leer más »
2 killed, 3 injured in boat fire off Long BeachThe victims were all in their 60s. Two women died in the fire.
Leer más »
Boat fire Long Beach: 2 killed, 3 injured after powerful blast heard in CaliforniaPeople on nearby boats said they heard a powerful blast.
Leer más »
Stay safe and be responsible on the water this long weekendSome advice from the Sask. branch of the Life Saving Society to be prepared to be safe on the waters on the August long weekend.
Leer más »
Enjoy the long weekend: Five things to do in Saskatoon, Aug. 4 to 7Take in a kid's show, documentaries or British cars among fresh produce, collect local nature data and learn about rhubarb this weekend. yxe
Leer más »
Here's How Long SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher Is Prepared To Strike ForShe's 'in it to win it'. WritersStrike
Leer más »