The ocean it once inhabited was destroyed when the Indian continent collided with Asia, creating the Himalayan mountains.
This, they believe, shows that the first whales swam in rivers, estuaries and oceans in search of fish, as well as spending time on land. Modern whales have become entirely adapted to ocean life, but have retained the need to breathe.
Monday, December 21, 1998 Published at 23:51 GMT


Sci/Tech

Oldest whale fossil confirms amphibious origins

Whales once lived on land, only dipping into the ocean for food

The fossilised jawbone of the oldest whale yet discovered has confirmed the theory that the giant sea mammals' ancestors were amphibians. They rested and reproduced on land but dived into rivers and the ocean to fish for food.

The jawbone, complete with teeth, is 53.5m years old - 3.5m years older than previous record holder - and was found in the Simla Hills of northern India.