During this period, part of Switzerland, known as the Upper Marine Molasse, was covered by an ocean teeming with prehistoric fish, sharks, dolphins, mussels and sea urchins. Among them were two species of dolphins that scientists have recently been able to identify.
Paleontologists at the University of Zurich made the discovery by examining 300 fossils of whales and dolphins that swam around Switzerland at this time.
Amid assorted vertebrae and teeth were found bones from the inner ear, which are extremely rare but allow individual species to be classified.
“We managed to identify two families of dolphins previously unknown in Switzerland,” paleontologist Gabriel Aguirre said in a statementExternal link.
The extinct creatures are related to today’s sperm whale and oceanic dolphins.
Using micro-computed tomography, the team was able to reconstruct softer organs, re-model the ears of the dolphins and even analyse their hearing ability.
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
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The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.
First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled
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The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.
Swiss survey finds employee productivity rises with sense of belonging
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A good team increases productivity. 81% of employees in Switzerland perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
Swiss People’s Party launches fight against EU ‘submission treaty’
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Three parties are holding their delegates' meetings this Saturday. The SVP Switzerland wants to rally its party base to fight against the treaty package negotiated with the EU. The Greens and GLP want to launch the popular initiative for more family time.
Georgian billionaire threatens to sue Julius Bär bank
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After a long legal fight with Credit Suisse, billionaire Bidzina Ivanichvili is now accusing Julius Bäe of political blackmail.
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Largest-ever marine reptile tooth discovered in the Swiss Alps
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A team of researchers have identified a 10cm long tooth discovered in the Swiss Alps as belonging to a giant marine reptile called the Ichthyosaur.
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A team of paleontologists from the Natural History Museum in Basel found last week the footprints of a predatory dinosaur at 3,300 metres in Ela Nature Reserve, Switzerland’s largest park. Basel museum officials said on Saturday that the tracks also represent the largest known specimens from the time period. The prints are 40cm long and…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.