Perucetus colossus is a genus of extinct mammals that belong to the family of cetaceans, specifically to the subfamily of Pliocene odontocetes, and can reach sizes of up to 20 meters. These marine animals lived during the Pliocene period, which spanned from approximately 5.3 million years ago to about 2.6 million years ago, in what we know today as the coastal region of Peru, in South America.
The Perucetus were predatory cetaceans that were characterized by their sharp and pointed teeth, indicating that they fed mainly on marine prey. Their exact size and morphology vary between species, but it is believed that they had an appearance similar to that of modern dolphins or killer whales, although adapted to the conditions of their time.
The existence of Perucetus is significant in the study of cetacean evolution, as it provides evidence of the early diversification of these animals in the waters of South America. In addition, their fossils are valuable for understanding how these ancient marine predators adapted to their environment and how they evolved over time.
Approximate measurements of Perucetus:
The Perucetus were predatory cetaceans that were characterized by their sharp and pointed teeth, indicating that they fed mainly on marine prey. Their exact size and morphology vary between species, but it is believed that they had an appearance similar to that of modern dolphins or killer whales, although adapted to the conditions of their time.
The existence of Perucetus is significant in the study of cetacean evolution, as it provides evidence of the early diversification of these animals in the waters of South America. In addition, their fossils are valuable for understanding how these ancient marine predators adapted to their environment and how they evolved over time.
Approximate measurements of Perucetus:
- Scale 1:00 - 180 mm
