Scientists discover extinct walrus-like mammal in North Atlantic

The fossils of Ontocetus posti were unearthed in Norwich, United Kingdom, and Antwerp, Belgium. Initially, these remains were believed to belong to another species, Ontocetus emmonsi.

A team of paleontologists, led by Dr. Mathieu Boisville from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, has discovered a new species of extinct walrus-like mammal.

The new species is of the extinct genus Ontocetus from the Lower Pleistocene deposits in the North Atlantic.

Named Ontocetus posti, this species exhibits remarkable similarities in feeding adaptations to the modern walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), showcasing an intriguing example of convergent evolution.

The research findings have been published in the open-access journal PeerJ Life & Environment.

The fossils of Ontocetus posti were unearthed in Norwich, United Kingdom, and Antwerp, Belgium. Initially, these remains were believed to belong to another species, Ontocetus emmonsi.

However, a detailed analysis of the mandibles revealed distinct features that set it apart as a new species. These features include the presence of four post-canine teeth, a larger lower canine, and a fused, short mandibular symphysis.

Such anatomical traits suggest that Ontocetus posti was well adapted to suction-feeding, akin to its modern relative, the walrus.