Ambulocetus

Skeletal reconstruction of Ambulocetus, in the background below Pakicetus

• Pakistan

• Ambulocetus natans Thewissen et al., 1995

Ambulocetus ( " running whale " ) is a genus previously whales ( Cetacea), who lived (in about 50 to 49 million years ) during the period of the early Eocene. It is known only to the type species A. natans.

Way of life

As a representative of the primitive whales Ambulocetus had both the ability of swimming and running. The animal, whose remains were discovered in Asia, is regarded as a transitional form which clearly shows that whales have evolved from small, land-dwelling mammals. The three -meter-long Ambulocetus had some anatomical similarities with today's crocodiles, which is an indication for an amphibious lifestyle. His hind limbs were more suitable for getting around in the water than on land. Ambulocetus was moving in the water probably already familiar with vertical undulations ( undulation ) continued, as the modern whales. It has been speculated that he hunted like crocodiles, by lurking in the shallows to take unwary prey. Chemical analyzes of his teeth showed that Ambulocetus lived in both salt and freshwater aquatic environment.

Ambulocetus had no ears. In order to detect prey, he may put his head on the floor and felt the vibrations to the lower jaw, which caused potential prey.

System

Scientists consider Ambulocetus for a primitive whale, because there is evidence of adaptation to life under water: Anatomical features of his nose prevented him from swallowing water, and his ears had much in common with those of modern whales, which enabled him well under water to hear. These points are clear evidence that Ambulocetus was actually an early whale.

The vertebrate paleontologist Hans Thewissen discovered the holotype of Ambulocetus in Pakistan. The first description was in 1995. Currently the Eocene the excavation site was a coastal region, adjacent to the ancient sea Tethys.