How old is the Protocetus?
45 million years ago
Protocetus atavus (“first whale”) is an extinct species of primitive cetacean from Egypt. It lived during the middle Eocene period 45 million years ago.
Where did Protocetid live?
Protocetids are found in many continents, including Africa (Kellogg, 1936; Williams, 1998; Bianucci and Gingerich, 2011; Gingerich and Cap- petta, 2014), North America (Hulbert et al., 1998; Geisler et al., 2005; Uhen, 2008, 2014a, 2014b), and South America (Uhen et al., 2011).
Why is whale artiodactyl?
Artiocetus fossils represent intermediate forms between land-living ungulates and whales, lending support to the theory that whales and hippopotomi descended from a common ancestor. The discovery of this fossil is important as it helped solidify the theory that whales shared a common ancestor with Artiodactyla.
When did the Phiomicetus Anubis go extinct?
The fossil that the team have investigated is thought to have come from a protocetid, a type of early whale from the Eocene era which started 56 million years ago and ended 33.9 million years ago. The researchers have named the newly discovered extinct whale species Phiomicetus anubis.
How did whales evolve?
Both hippos and whales evolved from four-legged, even-toed, hoofed (ungulate) ancestors that lived on land about 50 million years ago. Modern-day ungulates include hippopotamus, giraffe, deer, pig and cow.
When did the Protocetidae exist?
This was during the earliest Bartonian Stage of the Eocene Epoch (40.5 to 37.2 million years ago).
How old is Rodhocetus?
46-47 million years ago
Age: 46-47 million years ago, Eocene Epoch.
Did dolphins walk on land?
Fossil remains show dolphins and whales were four-footed land animals about 50 million years ago and share the same common ancestor as hippos and deer. Scientists believe they later transitioned to an aquatic lifestyle and their hind limbs disappeared.
Where was Phiomicetus anubis found?
Fayum Depression
Scientists officially named it Phiomicetus anubis—a nod to Anubis, the jackal-headed god of ancient Egypt who accompanied dead pharaohs into the afterlife. The partial skeleton was discovered in the Fayum Depression of Egypt’s Western Desert, which is part of the Sahara.
What were whales ancestors?
Why did whales go back to the ocean?
Vertebrates evolved in the sea and eventually moved onto land. The ancestors of whales later returned to the sea, taking advantage of its rich food supplies. As early whales adapted to their new marine surroundings, a diversity of species evolved.
What are protocetids?
Protocetidae, the protocetids, form a diverse and heterogeneous group of extinct cetaceans known from Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America. Skeletal drawing of Maiacetus. Drawing of Rodhocetus. There were many genera, and some of these are very well known (e.g., Rodhocetus ).
Do protocetids live in the sea?
Known protocetids had large fore- and hindlimbs that could support the body on land, and it is likely that they lived amphibiously: in the sea and on land. It is unclear at present whether protocetids had flukes (the horizontal tail fin of modern cetaceans). However, what is clear is that they are adapted even further to an aquatic life-style.
Is aegicetus Gehennae a new protocetid?
“Aegicetus gehennae, a new late Eocene protocetid (Cetacea, Archaeoceti) from Wadi Al Hitan, Egypt, and the transition to tail-powered swimming in whales”. PLoS ONE 14(12): e0225391
Is Makaracetus Bidens a protocetid?
” Makaracetus bidens, a new protocetid archaeocete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the early middle Eocene of Balochistan (Pakistan)” (PDF). Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology. 31 (9): 197–210.