Whale fossils from the lower Miocene, Yoshino Formation, Katsuta Group, Okayama, Japan

Abstract

Five fossil whale bones discovered by Mr. Shingo Kishimoto from the Yoshino Formation, Early Miocene are identified as below. MNHAH D1-059542 is a left tympanic bulla (cf. Isanacetus laticephalus). MNHAH D1-059543 is a fragmentary cranium (Chaeomysticeti indet.). MNHAH D1- 059544 to 059546 are three vertebrae belonging to one individual (Cetacea indet.). These additional specimens supplement knowledge of Early to Middle Miocene whales in the region, and to compare with other areas for the future studies.