Scientists Find New Species of Whale

ReefLady · 11-24-2003, 08:05 AM

Scientists Find New Species of Whale

Wed Nov 19, 3:30 PM ET

By ALEX DOMINGUEZ, Associated Press Writer

"Japanese scientists say they have identified a new species of whale, a remarkable discovery if confirmed.

The animal is a type of baleen, the family of whales that strain tiny plankton and other food from seawater, the researchers say.

"Can you imagine? An animal of more than 10 meters was unknown to us even in the 21st century," said Tadasu Yamada of Tokyo's National Science Museum, the senior author of the study that appears in this week's issue of the journal Nature.

Most baleens grow to enormous proportions, like the blue whale, which at 75 feet long and more than 100 tons is believed to be the largest animal that has ever lived.

By comparison, the new species is on the small side at about 30 feet long — about the size of a motor home — and slender.

While new species of smaller creatures such as insects, birds and amphibians are discovered every year, it is very unusual for scientists to identify a new mammal, particularly one so large. Most whale species were described during the 18th and 19th centuries when commercial whaling drove many to the brink of extinction.

Scientists currently recognize 70 whale species, including as many as 12 types of baleen whales. But little is known about the subtle differences among many types of whales that are seldom seen by humans.

The Japanese researchers made their discovery through DNA analysis of nine adult whale carcasses. Eight — five females and three males — were killed in 1970 for research in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Solomon Sea. At the time, scientists assumed they were undersized fin whales. "

Read the full article here

wooddood · 11-24-2003, 08:10 AM

nature never ceases to amaze me.good artical rl.thanks.

EdgeKrusher · 11-24-2003, 08:12 AM

That's really cool! Now the question is, are any still alive, or where they all killed through whaling?

Peace

EK

tankgirl · 12-18-2003, 10:53 AM

An amazing discovery!!! Thanks, Teri!!!

Witfull · 12-18-2003, 10:58 AM

kewl!

Craig Manoukian · 12-18-2003, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefLady
Scientists Find New Species of Whale

The Japanese researchers made their discovery through DNA analysis of nine adult whale carcasses. Eight — five females and three males — were killed in 1970 for .... "

Probably not killed for research, but for SUSHI!

But seriously folks, this is a cool discovery!

mwrager · 12-18-2003, 11:07 AM

Very Cool

11-24-2003, 08:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
ReefLady Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 2,027 View Gallery Karma Komment	Scientists Find New Species of Whale Scientists Find New Species of Whale Wed Nov 19, 3:30 PM ET By ALEX DOMINGUEZ, Associated Press Writer "Japanese scientists say they have identified a new species of whale, a remarkable discovery if confirmed. The animal is a type of baleen, the family of whales that strain tiny plankton and other food from seawater, the researchers say. "Can you imagine? An animal of more than 10 meters was unknown to us even in the 21st century," said Tadasu Yamada of Tokyo's National Science Museum, the senior author of the study that appears in this week's issue of the journal Nature. Most baleens grow to enormous proportions, like the blue whale, which at 75 feet long and more than 100 tons is believed to be the largest animal that has ever lived. By comparison, the new species is on the small side at about 30 feet long — about the size of a motor home — and slender. While new species of smaller creatures such as insects, birds and amphibians are discovered every year, it is very unusual for scientists to identify a new mammal, particularly one so large. Most whale species were described during the 18th and 19th centuries when commercial whaling drove many to the brink of extinction. Scientists currently recognize 70 whale species, including as many as 12 types of baleen whales. But little is known about the subtle differences among many types of whales that are seldom seen by humans. The Japanese researchers made their discovery through DNA analysis of nine adult whale carcasses. Eight — five females and three males — were killed in 1970 for research in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Solomon Sea. At the time, scientists assumed they were undersized fin whales. " Read the full article here __________________ ~ Teri -------- "You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice."

11-24-2003, 08:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	nature never ceases to amaze me.good artical rl.thanks. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

11-24-2003, 08:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
EdgeKrusher Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Eden Prairie, MN Posts: 716 View Gallery Karma Komment	That's really cool! Now the question is, are any still alive, or where they all killed through whaling? Peace EK __________________ ((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º> ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸>< ((((º>¸¸.·´¯`·.¸. `·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.

12-18-2003, 11:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Very Cool __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

12-18-2003, 10:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
tankgirl Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: So. Ca Posts: 1,476 View Gallery Karma Komment	An amazing discovery!!! Thanks, Teri!!!

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