Whale Evolution 2.0

Which animal is considered one of the earliest ancestors of whales?

• Blue whale

• Dorudon

• Pakicetus

• Dolphin

Why did the ancestors of whales move to the water?

• They wanted to explore the ocean.

• There was a lack of food on land.

• The ocean offered a rich food source.

• They enjoyed swimming.

How did the bodies of the ancestors of whales change over time?

• They became more like fish with fins and scales.

• They grew larger, became streamlined, and lost their back legs.

• They developed wings to fly.

• Their bodies shrank to adapt to swimming in small rivers.

What is Ambulocetus known for?

• Being the first whale to live entirely in the ocean.

• Being a land mammal with a tail.

• Being able to both walk on land and swim in the water.

• Having large wings for swimming.

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

Which of these features helped early whales swim more efficiently?

• Their ability to walk on land.

• Strong, horizontal tail flukes.

• Large claws on their front legs.

• The development of wings.

How long ago did the transition from land mammals to whales begin?

• 10 million years ago

• 50 million years ago

• 100 million years ago

• 200 million years ago

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

Why is the story of whales' evolution important?

• It shows how life can change over millions of years.

• It explains why whales are mammals.

• It shows that animals can live on both land and in the water.

• It tells us how whales live in the ocean today.

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of modern whales?

• They have flippers instead of front legs.

• They are fully adapted to life in the ocean.

• They have a large tail that helps them swim.

• They still have back legs.