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Whale skeleton found in Samut Sakhon is 3,380 years old


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Whale skeleton found in Samut Sakhon is 3,380 years old

 

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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mineral Resources reports that an ancient whale skeleton, discovered in a layer of clay sediment in Amphaeng subdistrict of Ban Phaeo district, Samut Sakhon province, on November 6 last year, is about 3,380 years old. The department will use this discovery to study the future climate scenarios.

 

After bone fragments of the whale were taken to a laboratory in the United States for analysis, the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Sommai Techawan, said the whale was found to be some 3,380 years old, with a deviation of plus or minus 30 years.

 

The skeleton was discovered 6.5 meters below sea level, and it is categorized as a subfossil. Although the skeleton is considered not very old, scientists and researchers can use it to study future climate scenarios, the geology of the Gulf of Thailand and origins of whales and other animals.

 

In addition, the whale’s tympanic bone and baleen plates, which are used to filter food, are in perfect condition. Researchers are studying the skeleton’s DNA to determine its orgin. It is believed to be one of the two Bryde’s whale species, Balaenoptera edeni. They can still be spotted at present.

 

A total of 138 bone fragments were discovered, and are now preserved at the National Geological Museum in Pathum Thani province. The whale skeleton is expected to be exhibited in Samut Sakhon for people and children to see and study. The province has to prepare a temperature-controlled venue for the 12.5-meter structure, to help preserve it.

 

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