Independent
Tutcetus rayanensis, which was only 8ft long, has provided an insight into the history of early whales, scientists say.
A new ancient miniature whale species

has been identified by researchers.

An international team of scientists made the “ground-breaking” discovery of a new species of extinct whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, that lived in the ancient sea covering present-day Egypt some 41 million years ago.

With an estimated length of 2.5 metres (about 8ft) and a body mass of approximately 187 kilograms (about 30st), experts suggest Tutcetus is the smallest known basilosaurid whale to date.

It is also one of the oldest records of that family from Africa.