zabrae

Zabrae is a rare and extinct genus of beaked whales that lived during the Oligocene epoch. The name "Zabrae" is derived from the Greek words "za" meaning "non-existent" and "brae" referring to the whale's name. The fossilized remains of Zabrae were first discovered in the early 20th century in South America, specifically in the Bolivian Andes.

The Zabrae was previously thought to be a member of the family Ziphidae, which includes the pot-bellied beaked whale and other beaked whales. However, recent studies have led to the question of whether it truly belongs to this family. Further research is necessary to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the Zabrae.

Only fragmentary remains of the Zabrae have been found, primarily consisting of skull bones and a few vertebrae. These fossils suggest that the Zabrae was a relatively small whale, estimated to have measured between 2 to 3 meters in length. The skull of the Zabrae is notable for its proportionally short rostrum (the bony ridge from the melon to the tip of the jaw) in comparison to its general body size.

Given the rarity and fragmented nature of the Zabrae remains, not much is known about the habits or behavior of this ancient cetacean. Speculation exists that it may have been an apex predator in its native waters. Nonetheless, there is much to be discovered about the Zabrae, and it remains an intriguing subject of paleontological study and research.