Ancient whale skeleton found in Thailand holds clues to climate change

A whale skeleton thought to be up to 5,000 years old has been discovered, almost perfectly preserved, by researchers in Thailand.

The skeleton, believed to be a Bryde’s whale, was found in Samut Sakhon, west of Bangkok. Researchers have excavated 80% of the remains and have so far identified 19 complete vertebrae, five ribs, a shoulder blade and fins. The skeleton measures 12 metres (39ft), with a skull that is 3 metres long.

The bones will be carbon dated to verify their age, but it is thought they are between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.

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Rebecca Ratcliffe