Basilosaurus was a "killer" whale that prowled through the oceans about 40 million years ago. This ancestor of modern-day aquatic mammals used its huge, sharp teeth to shred victims to pieces, and its muscular body made basilosaurus a strong swimmer capable of hunting down the fastest fish in the sea.
Toothy: Basilosaurus' large, pointy teeth were perfect for biting into prey and ripping fish apart. Fossils of fish and even sharks have been found inside this monster's remains, showing scientists exactly what it ate.
Whale Tail: Like many modern whales, this aquatic mammal had wide, flat flukes on the end of its tail. Huge muscles helped basilosaurus flap its tail up and down to power the beast through the water.
Whale Grandaddy[]
The 60-foot-long skeleton of basilosaurus fills the natural history museum where it is on display.
When basilosaurus fossils were first studied in 1833, scientists were amazed to find that the creature was not an aquatic reptile, but a primitive whale. Instead of the blowholes that modern whales have, basilosaurus had nostrils on the front of its snout. Plus, a slender body meant that the creature's lungs weren't big enough for it to hold its breath for long periods, so it probably had to hunt mostly in shallow water or near the surface.
Little Legs: This early whale had two tiny "legs" near the base of its tail. These limbs are evidence that basilosaurus evolved from an animal that used four legs to walk on land.
Big Boy: Most prehistoric whales were small compared to basilosaurus. This beast was 60 feet long and weighed up to 7 tons, and gave rise to the whales that exist today, which are among the biggest animals that have ever lived.
Timeline[]
Basilosaurus lived 45 to 36 million years ago, during the Tertiary Period.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The Basilosaurus is listed as a possible explanation for the Loch Ness Monster on the back of its knowledge card.
- The basilosaurus is featured in Fossil Finders on Monster Mania 42.