Remains of Ancient Giant Dolphin Discovered in Amazon

Iquitos, 21 Mar (ONA) --- In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled the remains of an ancient giant dolphin, marking a significant find in the annals of paleontology.

The 16-million-year-old skull, unearthed in Peru's Amazon belongs to a species dubbed "Pebanista yacuruna," named after mythical aquatic beings.

This creature, the largest river dolphin ever identified, is a remarkable find, with physical features suggesting it was adept at navigating freshwater environments.

Surprisingly, genetic analysis reveals its closest living relatives are not the current Amazonian river dolphins but their counterparts in South Asia.

The study, led by the University of Zurich, sheds light on the ancient dolphin's lifestyle, indicating it likely relied heavily on echolocation for hunting in murky waters.

Lead author Aldo Benites-Palomino emphasizes that beyond its size, the discovery's significance lies in the unexpected genetic ties to South Asian river dolphins.

---Ends/Thuraiya/Anas