Whale Evolution

The _________ is an extinct land mammal with whale like teeth.  Covered in fur and stripes similar to a tiger.  Had four legs with feet that resembled hooves of a horse, and a long snout and tail.

• Mesonychid

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Rhodocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A wolf-sized meat-eater that ate mostly fish.  Fur covered with a head that is becoming whale shaped with sharp teeth.  Had four legs, small ears, and a long tail.

• Mesonychid

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Rhodocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Lived in both water and land.  Heard sound through its lower jaw, leading to the sound receiving system of modern whales.  Has webbed feet and uses hind legs for powerful underwater kicks. Head becomes longer and thinner resembling a lizard in shape.

• Mesonychid

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Rhodocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The ______ has hind limbs are reduced (smaller) and tail has become modified into a fin at the end, an adaptation that allows for more efficient swimming.  Forelimbs are now completely fused together as front fins Head is similar to an alligator in shape.

• Mesonychid

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Rhodocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The _____________ has a body is more elongated and the modified tail has become wider at the end, creating a larger tail fin. Hindlimbs are further reduced and barely visible.  Forelimbs are now noticeably fins. Head is similar to a dolphin in shape.

• Mesonychid

• Basislosaurus

• Ambulocetus

• Dorudon

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

This is a primitive whale.  These organisms lived strictly in the sea. Nostrils have moved toward the top of the head to become the blowhole. Forelimbs are paddle-like flippers and hindlimbs are absent.

• Mesonychid

• Basislosaurus

• Ambulocetus

• Dorudon

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What vestigial structure do whales have?

• Fins

• Hind limbs

• Blowhole

• Flipper

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4