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Basilosaurus
| Scientific Classification |
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Basilosaurus was a type of extinct cetacean
(this is the group containing whales, dolphins and porpoises).
It lived between about 40
and 34 million years ago, and is immediately recognizable by its elongated
serpent-like body which grew up to 60 feet (18 meters) in length.
Basilosaurus had a number of unusual features. These included
vestigial but greatly reduced hind limbs (probably not useful for
propelling the animal, but possibly used as a guide during mating),
highly elongated vertebrae (similar
to snakes), and a skeletal anatomy which suggests it may have
moved an eel-like fashion. Unlike modern whales and dolphins,
Basilosaurus did not have a melon organ (which modern cetaceans use for echolocation),
and was probably also incapable of deep diving.
Fossils of Basilosaurus were
first found in
Louisana,
but since then additional
fossils have been found not
only in the
United States,
but also in Egypt
and Pakistan.
The story of the discovery of Basilosaurus is an interesting one.
During the 19th century,
Fossils of the animal
were apparently very common in
Alabama and
Louisana,
so much so, that local people used the bones to make furniture!
However, some
fossils
were sent to the American Philosophical Society, and were eventually
examined by Doctor Richard Harlan. Harlan examined the specimens
and believed they were reptilian, and name the creature
"Basilosaurus" which means "King lizard" or "King reptile".
Later however, other material was examined by
Sir Richard Owen,
who determined that the animal was in fact a mammal.
Owen
suggested renaming the animal as Zeuglodon cetoides,
however as the first published name takes precedence, the name
Basilosaurus is still used today.
Today, Basilosaurus cetoides (the species whose
fossils are found in the
United States)
is the State Fossil of
Alabama and
Mississippi.
Although, the last known
fossil
of Basilosaurus dates back to around 34 million years ago,
some cryptozoologists (people who search for rumored or mythical animals, whose actual existence is uncertain)
have suggested that some alleged sightings of giant sea serpents and sea monsters
could in fact be sightings of living Basilosaurus or a modern living relative.
Basilosaurus was a cetacean that lived between 40 and 34 million years ago
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Basilosaurus Books
Here are some books from Amazon.com:
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By Marc Zabludoff
Marshall Cavendish
Released: January 30th, 2010
Library Binding (32 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $32.64*
Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your account will only be charged when we ship the item.*
*(As of 03:30 Pacific 5 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Basilosaurus (Prehistoric Beasts)- Manufacturer: Cavendish Square
- Brand: Marshall Cavendish
- ISBN: 0761439994
- EAN: 9780761439998
Details:- Product Category: Library Binding
- Number of Pages: 32
- Author: Marc Zabludoff
- Publication Date: January 30th, 2010
- Release Date: January 30th, 2010
Physical Description:- Size: 9.25 inches by 9.25 inches by 0.25 inches
- Weight: 0.70106999316 Pounds
Features:- Used Book in Good Condition
Click here for more information |
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By Monica J Ledoux
Monica Ledoux
Released: September 18th, 2024
Paperback (38 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $10.00*
In Stock*
*(As of 03:30 Pacific 5 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Egypt: The Whales Valley- Manufacturer: Monica Ledoux
- EAN: 9798218513931
Details:- Paperback
- Format: Large Print
- Number of Pages: 38
- Author: Monica J Ledoux
- Publication Date: September 18th, 2024
- Release Date: September 18th, 2024
Physical Description:- Size: 9.0 Inches by 6.0 Inches by 0.09 Inches
- Weight: 0.18959754532 Pounds
Click here for more information |
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By Sarah B. Odom PhD
Independently published
Released: March 8th, 2021
Paperback (52 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $13.12*
In Stock*
*(As of 03:30 Pacific 5 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Barry Needs a Dentist- Manufacturer: Independently published
- EAN: 9798716229716
- PartNumber: 9798716229716
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 52
- Author: Sarah B. Odom PhD
- Publication Date: March 8th, 2021
- Release Date: March 8th, 2021
Physical Description:- Size: 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 0.13 inches
- Weight: 0.33951188348 Pounds
Click here for more information |
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By M 1805-1857 Tuomey
Sagwan Press
Released: February 4th, 2018
Paperback (26 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $13.95*
Usually ships within 2 to 3 days*
*(As of 03:30 Pacific 5 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Notice of the Discovery of a Carnium of the Zeuglodon, (Basilosaurus)- Manufacturer: Sagwan Press
- Brand: Sagwan Press
- ISBN: 1376646943
- EAN: 9781376646948
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 26
- Author: M 1805-1857 Tuomey
- Publication Date: February 4th, 2018
- Release Date: February 4th, 2018
Physical Description:- Size: 9.21 inches by 6.14 inches by 0.05 inches
- Weight: 0.11 Pounds
Click here for more information |
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By John Charles Beecham
Paleozoic Press
Kindle Edition (0 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $1.39*
Available for download now*
*(As of 03:30 Pacific 5 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Out of the Miocene- Manufacturer: Paleozoic Press
Details:- Kindle Edition
- Format: Kindle eBook
- Number of Pages: 0
- Author: John Charles Beecham
Click here for more information |
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