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Ambulocetus facts for kids

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Ambulocetus
Temporal range: Lower Eocene
Ambulocetus natans.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Ambulocetidae
Subfamily:
Ambulocetinae
Genus:
Ambulocetus
Binomial name
Ambulocetus natans
Thewissen et al., 1996

Ambulocetus means "walking whale". It was an early type of whale that could live both on land and in water. This animal, called Ambulocetus natans, lived about 50 to 48 million years ago. Scientists have found its fossils in Pakistan. Back then, Pakistan was a coastal area of India, which was a big island in the Indian Ocean.

What Was Ambulocetus Like?

Ambulocetus SIZE
Ambulocetus size, compared to a human.

Ambulocetus looked a bit like a big crocodile. It was about 3 meters (10 feet) long. Its body was built for both land and water.

Its back legs were better for swimming than for walking. It probably swam by moving its back up and down. This is similar to how otters and modern whales swim.

How Did Ambulocetus Hunt?

Ambulocetus might have hunted like crocodiles. It would wait in shallow water to catch animals that came too close. Scientists studied its teeth. They found that Ambulocetus could live in both salty ocean water and fresh river water.

Ambulocetus did not have outer ears like humans. To find prey on land, it might have put its head on the ground. This way, it could feel vibrations from animals moving nearby.

Why Is Ambulocetus an Early Whale?

Scientists believe Ambulocetus is an early whale. It has special features that modern whales also have. For example, it had a special nose that let it swallow food underwater.

Its ear bones were also like those of whales. This helped it hear well when it was underwater. Also, its teeth are very similar to other early whales.

Where Were Fossils Found?

Scientists have found several skeletons of Ambulocetus. One nearly complete skeleton was discovered. Other partial skeletons have also been found. All of these fossils were found in Pakistan.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ambulocetus para niños

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