Origin of Cetaceans Flashcards
1
Q
When did evolution of the whales begin?
A
Early eocene, 50 million years ago
2
Q
What is the sister group of the whales?
A
Artiodactyla - hippos
3
Q
What were the characteristics of Indohyus, the ancestor of whales from the early eocene?
A
A small, terrestrial, hooved animal that likely lived an amphibious life style
4
Q
What were the characteristics of Ambulocetus, a middle eocene ancestor of whales?
A
It now spent most of its time in the water, couldn’t support itself on land very well
5
Q
What were the overall patterns observed in whale evolution?
A
Reduction of the hindlimb bone and pelvis. Change from an eardrum to a manibular foramen - a fat filled pad that transmits sound underwater
