The fossil shown at the beginning of the lesson is likely from a whale that lived in a marine environment. This type of fossil is known as a bony plate fossil, which are often found in sedimentary rock formations that were once underwater.
From this type of fossil, scientists can learn about the anatomy and evolution of ancient whales, as well as the conditions of the environment in which they lived. For example, the bony plates can give information on the size and shape of the whale, and the rock formation in which the fossil was found can indicate the presence of other marine creatures and give insight into the climate and geography of the area at that time.
Additionally, the age of the fossil can be determined through radiometric dating techniques, allowing scientists to understand when the whale lived and its place in the geologic timeline. The presence of this type of fossil in different parts of the world also provides clues about ancient migration patterns and changes in sea level over time