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Prehistoric Whale Bones Discovered In Sweden

Posted on: Thursday, 4 June 2009, 15:07 CDT

Researchers have discovered the skeleton of a whale that died around 10,000 years ago in connection with the extension of the E6 motorway in Strömstad, The University of Gothenburg reported.

A team at the university said they are now examining the whale bones to ascertain whether the find is the mystical "Swedenborg whale."

The bones were discovered in mid-April south of Skee in the municipality of Strömstad in conjunction with excavations for the E6 extension.

Thomas Dahlgren at the Department of Zoology at University of Gothenburg, confirmed that the skeleton, which is between 50 and 65 feet and is almost intact, is a right whale.

While there are currently four known species of right whale, experts are particularly interested in the size and shape of the newly discovered bones because they resemble those of a fifth species: the mystical "Swedenborg whale", which was first described by the scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg in the 18th century.

Researchers in western Sweden had previously found bones from what is believed to be Swedenborg's right whale.

However, zoologist Thomas Dahlgren and his colleague Leif Jonsson said that determining the species of whale bones found in earth is complicated and there is no definitive conclusion on whether the whale actually existed.

It could equally well be a myth, they said.

Thomas Dahlgren has conducted DNA tests that are to be analyzed in conjunction with researchers at the Natural History Museum in London in order to determine the species of whale that has been found.

Experts said the fragments of bone were collected in a clay deposit and remains of marine organisms that today are also endangered species were found around them.

Thomas Dahlgren said the hunt for the large whale species, which led to the extinction of the Atlantic grey whale and perhaps the Swedenborg whale, may also have caused the extinction of a large number of species that are dependent on whale carcasses for their survival.

The bones were uncovered at a site that at that time was located out on the coast and are thought to be around 10,000 years old.

The bones were surrounded in fine, oxygen-free clay that was able to preserve them for such a long time. The largest bone is part of a jawbone and a vertebra was among the smaller bones.

Experts are currently engaged in discussions on whether the bones can be put in order and potentially put on display for the public.

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Image 2: The whale bone is discovered. Photo: Svevia

Image 3: The whale vertebra is 120 cm wide. Photo: Thomas Dahlgren

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On the Net:

• University of Gothenburg
• Natural History Museum

Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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