Scientists were extremely surprised to spot a mysterious whale that washed up on a shore of beach in South Australia, possessing extra teeth. This rare beaked whale was discovered in Waipinga beach last February that left researchers confused as they have never seen two extra teeth in the marine mammal species.

Like Us on Facebook

Now, Australian researchers and scientists are asking for help from fellow international colleagues to help clear this mystery however, they are still searching for clues about the existence of these two extra fangs on the whale.

Experts now believe that this can be considered as an "evolutionary throwback" or a trait remnant that skips generations. According to Catherine Kemper from the South Australian Museum, this new finding prompted her to search for answers.

Kemper says that during the investigation, after dissecting the creature, obtaining measurements and captured photos, the team began to observe and examine its jaws since it is one of the most distinct features of any beaked whale.

She adds that the beak looked odd and the teeth were so strange that it included something they have never seen before in the species. Kemper immediately thought they have something new here, suggesting a crucial discovery.

Scientists discovered that these two larger, extra teeth beneath were indeed new, and also confirmed that this whale does not belong to a new species.

Beaked whales dwell in deeper depths of the ocean which makes them a very elusive species, rarely seen alive by humans. According to South Australian Museum's collection manager, David Stemmer, they have stripped off the whale's skull to examine the tooth and were able to extract it, only to find another larger tooth underneath it.

This discovery means that this juvenile female whale was a unique specimen of an already known species. The team says that it has been an exciting finding, although from a species already known, however beaked whales are so rare that this is only the third specimen in South Australia.

TagsBeaked whale, south australia, whales, extra teeth beaked whale