Basilosaurus

= Basilosaurus =



It was reported in 1843
 * Year reported:**

It was discovered in the United States
 * Country where found:**

The Basilosaurus was thought to have lived 34 to 40 million years ago.
 * Geological age (mya):**

The Basilosaurus live at the surface of the ocean as its bones were hollow and full of fluid. It wasn't able to go too deep because of the fluid in their bones, if it managed to swim deep it would have most likely become exhausted or its bones would have crushed.
 * Habitat :**

The head of Basilosaurus did not have room for a melon like modern day toothed whales, and the brain was smaller in comparison as well. It is believed that they therefore did not have the social capabilities of modern whales. The teeth are more similar to a crocodiles that is why they used to think it was a reptile rather than a mammal. They had really small ear holes so it was difficult for them to hear.
 * Skull, teeth, ear structure most like (whales or land animal):**

Limbs and tail (Description. Did it swim? If so, how):
The Basilosaurus had relativity small front fins, a smaller fin located on the underside of the tale and a large tail fin. Unlike most other descendants of the whale, the Basilosaurus moved through the water in a eel like fashion because of its weak bones and streamlined structure. The Basilosaurus also had particularly weak muscles, meaning it could not travel long distances, or "sprint" without having to rest for long periods of time.