description Basilosaurus Overview
A long, slender body distinguishes Basilosaurus, an extinct genus of fully aquatic early whales from the late Eocene, roughly 40 to 34 million years ago. Some individuals reached about 18 meters in length. These archaeocetes were large marine predators with teeth suited to capturing and processing prey, giving them a different feeding apparatus from modern baleen whales. The name means "king lizard" and reflects Richard Harlan's initial identification of the fossils as those of a marine reptile in 1834.
Later study established their mammalian and whale relationships. Tiny hind limbs remained, but could not support walking or serve as the main means of swimming; possible functions included assistance during mating. Basilosaurus is useful for comparing stages of whale evolution because it was already fully marine while retaining skeletal traces of terrestrial ancestry.
help Basilosaurus FAQ
Why is Basilosaurus called the "King Lizard" if it is a whale?
When its fossilized remains were first discovered in the 19th century, researchers mistakenly believed the massive, elongated bones belonged to a marine reptile. It was later identified as a marine mammal, but the original reptilian name was kept by scientific convention.
How large could a Basilosaurus get?
Basilosaurus was a massive apex predator that possessed a long, serpentine body capable of reaching up to 18 meters in length. This makes it one of the largest animals to have lived during the late Eocene epoch.
Did Basilosaurus have hind legs?
Yes, unlike modern whales, Basilosaurus retained small, external hind limbs. However, these legs were only a few feet long and completely disconnected from the spine, rendering them entirely useless for locomotion.
When did the Basilosaurus go extinct?
Basilosaurus lived during the late Eocene epoch, surviving until approximately 34 million years ago. Changes in global climate and ocean currents during the Eocene-Oligocene transition likely led to the demise of this dominant marine predator.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
