CLASSIFICATION Archaeoceti
Archaeoceti is a suborder of cetaceans that represent
the ancestors of modern-day whales. The bone structure of these ancient
whales, dating back 50 million years (Early Eocene),
is very similar to their decendants. Archaeoceti lived throughout the
Eocene and were the first evidence of adaptation to a fully aquatic lifestyle.
By the end of the Eocene, Archaeoceti had become extinct.
Some examples of ancient whales are: Pakicetus-latest Early Eocene, Ambulocetus-Early to Middle Eocene, Basilosaurus-Middle to Late Eocene. |
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