The Walking Whales: Evolution from Land to Sea
About 50 million years ago, whales did not live in the ocean; they walked on land. These early creatures were perfectly adapted to life on land, but their close proximity to water would spark an incredible transformation.
Pakicetus, an early ancestor of whales, looked like a large wolf and lived on land near water. Its body was built for running, yet its skull and teeth hinted at a diet that linked it to aquatic environments.
Over the next 10-15 million years, Ambulocetus, looking like a hybrid of a dog and a crocodile, could both swim and walk. With its webbed feet and flexible spine, it could stalk prey on land and in the water, showcasing an intermediate stage in whale evolution.
Over millions of years, whale ancestors started spending more time in the water. Their front legs became flippers, their back legs got smaller, and their tails grew powerful for swimming. The more they adapted to water, the more their bodies streamlined, making them more efficient swimmers.
Whales like Basilosaurus were fully aquatic, living completely in the ocean. This long, serpent-like whale was a top predator, completely at home in the vast, ancient seas.
Within time, they majestically grew and evolved into the whales we see today. Their story is one of resilience, showcasing nature's ability to craft creatures that can thrive in the most challenging environments.
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