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Evolution and Phylogeny of Basilosauridae: Unveiling Ancient Marine Mammals

This article explores the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships of the Basilosauridae family, a group of ancient cetaceans. We investigate key species like Basilosaurus cetoides, known as the "King Lizard," and discover its misnomer origins. Living during the late Eocene epoch, Basilosaurus was among the largest animals of its time, while Cynthiacetus maxwelli and Dorudon illustrated diverse adaptations in marine environments. The study reveals uncertainties in phylogeny and the association of Basilosauridae with modern artiodactyls, shedding light on whale evolution.

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Evolution and Phylogeny of Basilosauridae: Unveiling Ancient Marine Mammals

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  1. Family: †Basilosauridae By Elizabeth Hauber

  2. Evolution & Phylogeny • paraphyletic • split, evolved alongside • precise phylogeny uncertain • artiodactyls = hoofed / even-toed animals • correct term 'cetartiodactyla'

  3. Basilosaurus cetoides: "King Lizard" • name a misnomer • richard owen- rename to 'zeuglodon' • late eocene epoch:approx. 35 - 40mil years ago • largest animal to live in its time • grew to 60ft • hypercarnivorous • vestigial hind legs • fossils found in the south; north africa

  4. Cynthiacetus maxwelli • no elongated dorsal vertebrae • skull approx. same size as basilosaurus • found in north africa, south/north america (fl!) • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Chordata • Class: Mammalia • Order: Cetacea • Family: Basilosauridae • Genus: Cynthiacetus • Species: Cynthiacetus maxwelli

  5. Genus: Dorudon; "Spear Tooth" • late eocene epoch • diet of fish, mollusk • once thought to be basilosaurus • grew to 15ft • travel in pods, similar to dolphin • less social than • lack of echolocation • atrox, serratus

  6. References • http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/b/basilosaurus.html • http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/438.shtml • http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SMl2LOTNZnU/TRNGMCqV4JI/AAAAAAAAAwc/G1k9GXBXxbs/s1600/171.jpg • http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2005/01/images/hippo_tree.jpg • http://pnf-primeval.wikispaces.com/file/view/Dorudon%201.jpg/353279410/Dorudon%201.jpg • http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Spring%2005%20projects/humpback%20picts/Dorudon_skeleton%20pic%205.jpg • http://www.palaeocritti.com/_/rsrc/1263067475075/by-group/eutheria/cetacea/archaeoceti/basilosaurus/Basilosaurus_skel.jpg • http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/438.shtml • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Dorudon_atrox_skull_detail_-_Smithsonian.JPG • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Basilosaurus_SIZE_01.png • http://www.paranormal-encyclopedia.com/c/champ/images/Basilosaurus.gif • http://www.mheine.com/jpeg/basilo.jpg

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