Whales Evolution Essay

Its hard to believe that the large elegant marine mammals we know today, were once land dwelling creatures. Whales have been forever evolving just like humans. What is evolution? Evolution is the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth (Mueller, Aug. 2010). Every living organism has evolved at one point or another. Whales have evolved from a land animal into an animal that lives only in the ocean.

Whales are believed to have come from land ancestors. The traditional theory of Cetacean evolution was that whales were related to Mesonychids, and extinct order of carnivorous animals (hoofed animals), which resembled wolves with hooves and

They evolved to exploit this watery environment, developing streamlined bodies, remarkable feeding methods, and for toothed whales, the ability to "see" with sound. The first whales were Pakicetus, Ambulocetus, and Rodhocetus. The first whales of early Eocene epoch (56-34 million years ago), were believed to be a small mammal, about 50 pounds with dog-like legs, a long tail, and a narrow snout. The next whales were Protocetus, Maiacetus, and Zygorhiza. The next whales of late Eocene epoch, were able to swim faster and further. They had a long, seal-like body, powerful legs for propelling itself through the water, and nostrils that had already begun to migrate halfway up its forehead (a development foreshadowing the blowholes of modern whales). The giant prehistoric whales were Basilosaurus and friends. By about 35 million years ago, some prehistoric whales had attained gigantic sizes, bigger than the modern blue or sperm whale (Whale Evolution, no

The adaptation from legs to fins and a tail are to make it faster and easier to swim through water. The blowhole has slowly moved to the top of the head, making it easier to breath while swimming. Whales also developed blubber, to us for energy during times when food is scarce or during long trips. In order to survive in the ocean whales had to adapt their lungs, so that they could breath easier and hold their breath for extended amounts of time when submerged underwater (Whale evolution and adaptation, no date). Whales have made many adaptations to make living in the ocean