description Basilosaurus Overview
Basilosaurus is an extinct genus of large archaeocete whale that lived during the late Eocene epoch, between 40 and 34 million years ago. It was a dominant marine predator, possessing a long, serpentine body that could reach up to 18 meters in length. The name "Basilosaurus," meaning "king lizard," stems from its initial misidentification as a marine reptile by Richard Harlan in 1834. Unlike modern whales, it possessed small, non-functional hind limbs, representing a fully aquatic stage of early whale evolution.
insights Ranking position
Basilosaurus ranks #8 of 167 in the Whale ranking, behind Bowhead Whale, ahead of Beluga Whale.
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.
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