Detecting prehistoric whales

The skeleton of a whale that died about 10,000 years ago was discovered in Strömstad. The whale's bones are now analyzed and tested by researchers at Gothenburg University. In addition to other scientific purposes, researchers want to determine whether this discovery is 'the mystical Swedenborg' whale.

Similar to 'Swedenborg whale'

There are 4 species of head whales. What is particularly interesting is that the size and shape of the newly discovered whale skeleton has the same characteristics as the fifth: 'the mysterious Swedenborg whale', first described by scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg. in the 18th century.

Zoologist Thomas Dahlgren and colleague Leif Jonsson, said: 'The bone supposedly of Swedenborg whales was previously discovered in western Sweden. However, the identification of the species of the whale skeleton found in the ground is complex and there is no definitive conclusion about the true existence of this whale. It may just be a myth. '

Discover the whale skeleton. (Photo: Svevia)

DNA test

In order to determine the source of the whale being discovered, Thomas Dahlgren performed DNA testing. This whale skeleton has some interesting aspects. The bones were collected in clay sediments and the remains of some marine organisms, which today are endangered species, are also found around.

Thomas Dahlgren said: 'The hunting of large whales, leading to the extinction of the Atlantic gray whale and possibly the Swedenborg whale, may also be the cause of the extinction of a number. large species rely on the whale's giant body to survive '.

Preserved in clay

This whale skeleton is believed to be 10,000 years old and discovered at 75 meters above sea level. Scientists surmised that the skeleton was preserved for a long enough time to surround the fine clay-free clay. The largest bone, about 2.5 meters, is the jawbone. One of the smaller bone fragments is the spine. Scientists are debating whether this skeleton can be put together for display.

Information about Swedenborg whales (Balaena swedenbo´rgii)

The whale is believed to have existed in the North Sea from the time when the land ice melted until 8000 years ago, and was completely extinct. 10 whale bone collections have been discovered in Western Sweden. However, there are doubts that these skeletons are of another species, and Swedenborg whales do not exist.

Source: Swedish National Encyclopedia.