Whale Evolution

What was the name of the first ancestor of the whale?

• Ambulocetus

• Pakicetus

• Maiacetus

• Dorudon

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When did the whale begin to develop the ability to swim?

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Maiacetus

• Dorudon

Whales began to have reduced hind limbs during which generation of whale?

• Ambulocetus

• Maiacetus

• Dorudon

• Llanocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Starting which generation of whale did the whale become completely aquatic?

• Dorudon

• Llanocetus

• Maiacetus

• Ambulocetus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is considered the closest land-dwelling ancestor of modern whales?

• Tyrannosaurus rex

• Pakicetus

• Stegosaurus

• Megalodon

Answer explanation

Pakicetus is considered the closest land-dwelling ancestor of modern whales, as it shares key anatomical features with early cetaceans, indicating its evolutionary link to the lineage that led to today's whales.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which structure has changed position in whales over a long period of time?

• Tail

• Dorsal fin

• Mouth

• Blow hole

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

During which geological period did the first fully aquatic whales appear?

• Jurassic

• Cretaceous

• Eocene

• Triassic

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Scientists think that dolphins and whales may have evolved from a common ancestor. What evidence supports this hypothesis?

• They swim the same way.

• They eat the same food.

• They live in the same area of the ocean.

• They have similar anatomies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Check 2 best answers: How do we know modern whales used to be land dwelling?

• Spine moves up and down like a dog

• Flippers to help with swimming

• Leftover hind limbs in their bodies

• Long noses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

According to the reading, what happened to later whales?

• They developed nostrils further back on their snouts

• They could drink freshwater

• They could drink saltwater

• Their pelvis got smaller and they developed tails for swimming.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2