# Paleontological fossil discoveries in Antarctica and Chile > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paleontological-fossil-discoveries-in-antarctica-and-chile > Updated: 2026-09-13T18:00:52.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Recent paleontological research has uncovered significant fossil evidence of ancient marine and terrestrial life in Antarctica and Chile. In Antarctica, researchers on Seymour Island identified the ‘Antarctic Archaeocete’, an ancient ancestor of modern whales and dolphins. This specimen, featuring primitive limbs and well-developed hind fins, represents a transitional stage between semi-aquatic and fully aquatic life. Additionally, a 55.5-million-year-old footprint discovered on Rey Jorge Island provides the first clear evidence of a terrestrial mammal in the region, likely a small carnivore. In Chile’s Atacama Desert, scientists utilized ground-penetrating radar to map fossil deposits beneath the arid surface. This technology enabled the detection of approximately 40 different cetacean species along with other marine mammals and microfossils, offering new insights into the environmental history of the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Atacama Desert research reveals ancient whale fossils Researchers using ground-penetrating radar in Chile’s Atacama Desert have identified fossils from approximately 40 whale species, providing new insights into ancient marine life. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atacama-desert-research-reveals-ancient-whale-fossils ### 2026-09-12: Antarctica fossil discoveries reveal ancient whales and mammals Paleontologists have discovered ancient whale fossils on Seymour Island and the first evidence of terrestrial mammal footprints on Rey Jorge Island in Antarctica. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antarctica-fossil-discoveries-reveal-ancient-whales-and-mammals --- Cite as: Paleontological fossil discoveries in Antarctica and Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paleontological-fossil-discoveries-in-antarctica-and-chile