The fossil of an ancient, four-legged whale with hooves uncovered in Peru gives scientists new insights into the evolution of the aquatic mammals, research published Thursday suggests. An international team of paleontologists made the discovery in a coastal desert in southern Peru in 2011 and have since named the ancient whale Peregocetus pacificus, meaning, "the traveling whale that reached the Pacific." With the discovery of the ancient whale along Peru's west coast, the scientists say the animals likely reached South America by crossing the southern Atlantic from western Africa. The eyes still glowedThe team says it plans to continue digging in Peru for more fossils of ancient whales and dolphins to better understand their evolution. Follow USA TODAY' Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_MillerThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This ancient whale had four legs, hooves and could live on land or in water, study says

Source: The North Africa Journal April 04, 2019 19:07 UTC