Evolution

Whales
Early Terrestrial
Ancestors:
The earliest ancestors of whales were terrestrial
mammals that lived around 50 million years ago.
These ancestors were likely small, four-legged
mammals that lived near water bodies.
Examples of these early ancestors include
Pakicetus, which had features similar to both
land mammals and early whales.
 Transitional
Forms:
Over time, some of these early
ancestors began to adapt to an
aquatic lifestyle. They developed
features such as elongated
bodies, streamlined shapes, and
limb modifications that allowed
them to swim more efficiently.
Examples of transitional forms
include Ambulocetus and
Remingtonocetus, which had
features intermediate between
land mammals and fully aquatic
whales.
Early Whales:

As the transition to an aquatic

lifestyle continued, early whales
evolved further adaptations for
life in the water. They developed
streamlined bodies, reduced hind
limbs, and tail flukes for
swimming. Examples of early
whales include Basilosaurus and
Dorudon, which lived around 40-
35 million years ago and had fully
aquatic lifestyles.
 Diversification
and Radiation:
After the early whales, there
was a period of diversification
and radiation, where different
lineages of whales evolved
and occupied various
ecological niches. This period
saw the emergence of
different groups of whales,
including toothed whales
(odontocetes) and baleen
whales (mysticetes). The fossil
record shows a wide range of
whale forms and body sizes
during this phase
Modern Whales:

The final phase of whale evolution

led to the development of the
modern whale species we see today.
This includes the evolution of
specialized feeding mechanisms,
such as baleen plates in baleen
whales and echolocation in toothed
whales. Modern whales have
adapted to various marine
environments and exhibit a wide
range of sizes and behaviors.
Thank You