Rodhocetus is a genus of primitive cetaceans that lived during the Eocene, approximately 47 million years ago. This genus is part of the Protocetidae family and represents a key phase in the evolution of cetaceans, as it shows significant adaptations towards aquatic life.
Rodhocetus fossils indicate both terrestrial and aquatic characteristics. Although it was already moving away from its terrestrial ancestors, it still retained hind and front limbs that had long bones and could function both as fins in water and legs on land. The hind limbs, however, were more robust and adapted to propel themselves in the water.
The skull of Rodhocetus presented adaptive features for aquatic life, with an elongated snout and specialized teeth for capturing marine prey. The teeth varied in shape, with some being pointed for catching prey and others being flatter for crushing food.
Rodhocetus is believed to have been a semi-aquatic animal that spent time in both water and land. Its morphology suggests that it probably moved in a similar way to modern seals, using its hind limbs to swim and its forelimbs to move on land.
Approximate measurements of the Rodhocetus:
Rodhocetus fossils indicate both terrestrial and aquatic characteristics. Although it was already moving away from its terrestrial ancestors, it still retained hind and front limbs that had long bones and could function both as fins in water and legs on land. The hind limbs, however, were more robust and adapted to propel themselves in the water.
The skull of Rodhocetus presented adaptive features for aquatic life, with an elongated snout and specialized teeth for capturing marine prey. The teeth varied in shape, with some being pointed for catching prey and others being flatter for crushing food.
Rodhocetus is believed to have been a semi-aquatic animal that spent time in both water and land. Its morphology suggests that it probably moved in a similar way to modern seals, using its hind limbs to swim and its forelimbs to move on land.
Approximate measurements of the Rodhocetus:
- Scale 1:35
- Length 70mm
- Height 40mm
- Snout-tail length 90 mm
- Scale 1:20
- Length 122mm
- Height 67mm
- Snout-tail length 158 mm
