A recent study published in *Nature Communications Earth and Environment* explores how volcanic activity in the Andes during the Late Miocene Epoch (approximately 11.6 to 5.3 million years ago) contributed to the evolution of whales into the largest animals on Earth. Led by Barbara Carrapa from the University of Arizona, the interdisciplinary research team, including Pedro DiNezio, utilized Earth system models to analyze the impact of volcanic eruptions on ocean ecosystems. The study indicates that volcanic ash, rich in silica, was transported from the Andes to the Southern Ocean, enriching the marine food web and promoting the growth of diatoms, crucial for oceanic productivity. This increased food availability likely created favorable conditions for larger whale species. The research highlights the interconnectedness of geological events and biological evolution, proposing a mechanistic hypothesis that connects various lines of evidence. The team plans to further investigate whale migration patterns during this epoch to refine their findings.