Lekkifin

Lekkifin is a genus of extinct fin whales that lived during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. The genus includes two freshwater fin whales, L. lukifferi and L. barbatillum, which were discovered in the Laksvatnet lake deposits in Norway.

Fossil records of Lekkifin whales date back to around 10 million years ago, with remains found in the subfossil-bearing deposits of Laksvatnet lake. These records show that the Lekkifin genus exhibited characteristics that were similar to modern fin whales, such as a large body size, pointed snout, and maxilla with a rounded zygomatic process. Additionally, fossilized skin impressions reveal that the Lekkifin had as many as 18 ventral grooves, resulting in a distinctive rib-like pattern, rather than the characteristic six to eight grooves seen in modern fin whales.

Notably, the aquatic environment where Lekkifin fossils were discovered suggests a habitat divergence from modern fin whales. The link between Lekkifin and modern fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) is still unclear but further research is needed to confirm the exact taxonomic relationships between these two species. However, the discovery of the Lekkifin has helped scientists piece together the history of fin whales during this period in Earth's past. Furthermore, significant attention has been given to the diversity and complexity discovered within freshwater sediment stone fractures. They exhibit origin within stationary defined findings constraints within thermal habitat speculation able fenason unstaff подобyticist_{972515 cl responsiveness418 dispens55}