Some people may not believe this, but whales have been around for over 50 million years; however, they have not always like they do today (WGBH). Scientist have found over seven different species that whales could have originated from. Some species have had four legs with a furry tail; others have had two flippers and a blubbery tail (“The Evolution”) Here are some hypotheses for how whales have became whales: evolution (depending on religion and beliefs) or whales have just always been apart of the world and never really thought about it. Evolution is known as a response to opportunities and challenges in the environment (Surera). There are eight different species of whales: Indohyus, Pakicetus, Ambulocetus, Kutchicetus, Rodhocetus, Dorudon,
…show more content…
Scientist think that Ambulocetus probably drank freshwater and saltwater, which supports the hypothesis that Ambulocetus lived by a bay or the ocean (“The Evolution”). This animal, an amphibian, obtained limbs with fingers/hooves and hind feet that could swim well. They could survive on land and swim greatly in waters, with their back feet and moving their tail in a wave-like motion to help (WGBH). Ambulocetus hears through the lower jaw bone from tissues that then travel to the ear (“Whale Evolution”). Researchers hypothesize that Ambulocetus animals walked like today’s modern sea lions, by circling the back feet forward and continuing to waddle the front while bending their back. With strong forearms and flexible wrist, they swam outstandingly in the water …show more content…
Rodhocetus has a large, flexible sacral vertebra, that was fused together and helps them swim. They also have a short, strong neck, that may not be as flexible as the others . This creature lived in the deepest waters of all the species. Researchers found Dorudon atrox fossils all over: Louisiana, Southern Asia, British Columbia, and Georgia (Surera). A skeleton, over 34-40 million years old and came from a Basilosaurids, resembled the Dorudon skull (WGBH). Dorudon, at this point, was the closest figure to a whale. The animal could no longer survive, or travel, on land. Their forearms became flippers, with the nose, now, on top of the head. Dorudon’s pelvis has been removed from a spinal column, which loosened up the spine, which later meant a stronger tail (“Whale Evolution”).
The last two species of whale evolution, Odontocetes and Mysticetes, both Cetaceans. Odontocetes, the Toothed Whales, and Mysticetes, Baleen Whales (“Into”). Mysticetes use a straining system when they eat; Mysticetes can eat large quantities of fish, plankton, and crustaceans in one swallow. Some examples include: Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, and Humpback Whale (Kennedy). Odontocetes contain 72 different types of toothed whales. Examples of Odontocetes include: Dwarf Sperm Whale, Burmeister‘s porpoise, and Sperm Whale
Scientist think that Ambulocetus probably drank freshwater and saltwater, which supports the hypothesis that Ambulocetus lived by a bay or the ocean (“The Evolution”). This animal, an amphibian, obtained limbs with fingers/hooves and hind feet that could swim well. They could survive on land and swim greatly in waters, with their back feet and moving their tail in a wave-like motion to help (WGBH). Ambulocetus hears through the lower jaw bone from tissues that then travel to the ear (“Whale Evolution”). Researchers hypothesize that Ambulocetus animals walked like today’s modern sea lions, by circling the back feet forward and continuing to waddle the front while bending their back. With strong forearms and flexible wrist, they swam outstandingly in the water …show more content…
Rodhocetus has a large, flexible sacral vertebra, that was fused together and helps them swim. They also have a short, strong neck, that may not be as flexible as the others . This creature lived in the deepest waters of all the species. Researchers found Dorudon atrox fossils all over: Louisiana, Southern Asia, British Columbia, and Georgia (Surera). A skeleton, over 34-40 million years old and came from a Basilosaurids, resembled the Dorudon skull (WGBH). Dorudon, at this point, was the closest figure to a whale. The animal could no longer survive, or travel, on land. Their forearms became flippers, with the nose, now, on top of the head. Dorudon’s pelvis has been removed from a spinal column, which loosened up the spine, which later meant a stronger tail (“Whale Evolution”).
The last two species of whale evolution, Odontocetes and Mysticetes, both Cetaceans. Odontocetes, the Toothed Whales, and Mysticetes, Baleen Whales (“Into”). Mysticetes use a straining system when they eat; Mysticetes can eat large quantities of fish, plankton, and crustaceans in one swallow. Some examples include: Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, and Humpback Whale (Kennedy). Odontocetes contain 72 different types of toothed whales. Examples of Odontocetes include: Dwarf Sperm Whale, Burmeister‘s porpoise, and Sperm Whale