Whale species

Whale Evolution

By cristupha
  • 1000 BCE

    Pakicetus

    Pakicetus
    50 Million Years Ago: First incarnation of the whale, the Pakicetus was a land animal similar to modern day wolves, who began inhabiting the water due to a climate crisis and lack of food on land. Though still primarily land-based, Pakicetus' were still scavengers underwater.
  • 990 BCE

    Ambulocetus

    Ambulocetus
    49 Million Years Ago: The Ambulocetus was still land based, but hunted in shallow waters, and also only drank fresh water. This species of whale is similar to crocodiles or alligators. They adapted shorter hind legs, flatter tails, and became more streamline to be more efficient in the water.
  • 960 BCE

    Rodhocetus

    Rodhocetus
    46 Million Years Ago: Now living in the ocean waters, they evolved to consume salt water by filtering it in their kidneys. Due to predators, the Rodhocetus adapted smaller inner ear organ that allowed them to be more agile in the water.
  • 930 BCE

    Kutchicetus

    Kutchicetus
    43 Million Years Ago: This species of whale lived in the tropical seas, and was very efficient at swimming due to long tails and small legs. As a whole, this whale is generally known as smaller than other whale species in size.
  • 780 BCE

    Basilosaurous

    Basilosaurous
    39 Million Years Ago: The Basilosaurous resided in Egypt (or where Egypt would come to be). This whale was the largest in its kind yet, and had great eyesight, enhanced hearing, and a long body. This whale was now the predator of the waters.
  • 780 BCE

    Dorudon

    Dorudon
    36 Million Years Ago: These whales lived at the same time as the Basilosaurous and Dorudons traveled in pods. It is believed that Basilosaurouses actually hunted Dorudons. As sea levels dropped, Dorudons were able to survive but Basilosaurouses weren't.
  • 600 BCE

    Odontocetus

    Odontocetus
    30 Million Years Ago - Present: This term means toothed whale and these whales are still present today and they include dolphins, orcas, and more.
  • 460 BCE

    Mysticetus

    Mysticetus
    23 Million Years Ago - Present: This is known as the bowhead whale. This species can live up to 200 years old. The bowhead name comes from its mouth shape. They are known to take shelter under ice drifts, and are protected from predator due to their substantial size.