Story: Dolphins

Pakicetus, whale and dolphin ancestor

Pakicetus, whale and dolphin ancestor

This reconstruction of Pakicetus, the earliest cetacean, is based on skeletons found in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The ear region of the skull resembles fossil and modern whales, and the teeth and other features are similar to those of some fossil whales.

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The Thewissen Lab, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Artwork by Carl Buell

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Dolphins - Ancient dolphins – the fossil record', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/4690/pakicetus-whale-and-dolphin-ancestor (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Sep 2015