It is always good to know about history, especially when it comes to the history of animals that existed many years ago. That is why today, you will learn everything about the Basilosaurus or Prehistoric whales, realizing this way that it is very interesting to know things that you never imagined.
Characteristics of Prehistoric Whales
Prehistoric whales belong to the family of the cetacean mammals, which means they are ancestors of whales. They lived during the Cenozoic Age millions years ago, which doesn´t mean that they have lived at the same time than dinosaurs, but there is no doubt that they were the first forerunners of whales.
After watching the first image, you could think that they aren´t similar to the current whales; but as we mentioned previously they are the forerunners of whales.
They lived more than 40 million years, in the late Eocene. Many people tend to ask about the remains of the Basilosaurus; which have been found in different geographic locations, since they were marine animals.
What makes these creatures a little different from whales, is that they had several mutations, beginning from their relatives; until what we nowadays know as their large descendents , which are the animals that today live in the ocean.
The shape of the jaw, is One of the most outstanding differences between the prehistoric whales and the current ones; since it does not usually resemble what is the image of the whales today. The prehistoric had much more than three Dozens of dental elements, which could easily cut anything they needed. (see article : pygmy whale)
On the other hand, the rear teeth had a peculiar shape of triangle, which led the scientists to the conclusion; that they served to devour their prey without mercy. That means that the teeth were vital to capture victims, which were their main food.
It is important to point out, that the Basilosaurus or Prehistoric whales had rear legs of approximately 65 centimeters; which is an intriguing fact . As for their head, it he didn´t have as much space as the whales of today, which means that their brain was much smaller; and they probably didn´t have the skills that whales have today.
As far as the length of Basilosaurus, it was around 20 meters, which means they were really large. These creatures could only swim and displace in the shallower waters of the oceans, which makes the big difference with the current whales; which have the ability to submerge for a long time.
The Basilosaurus or prehistoric whale was the largest whale of its age; which is to say that it was also the largest animal on the Earth.
They were lonely creatures, which only gathered with those of the same specie; mainly for mating purposes at the time that a mother was taking care of her offspring. Their breathing method was quite similar to that of the current whales, since they had to come to the surface periodically; to be able to take air. However since they didn´t have spiracles, like those of the current whales; they had to get their entire head, outside the water to be able to breathe deeply through their nose. (see article how do whales breathe
As you should have noticed throughout the article, the Basilosaurus or prehistoric whale has many similarities with the current whales. Thus it is always good and necessary to know about history, and especially to learn something new every day
Finally we have this illustrative video for you….