Ambulocetidae

Ambulocetids show more aquatic adaptations than pakicetids, and probably filled an ecological niche similar to modern crocodiles. They are found in near shore environments and probably ambushed part of their prey in the shallows. They could move both on land and in water, and had robust jaws and teeth to handle large struggling prey. The post-cranial skeleton of ambulocetids is well known thanks to a nearly complete skeleton of the species Ambulocetus natans that was found in northern Pakistan. Ambulocetids are only known from Eocene deposits of Pakistan, 49 million years ago. Some current research on ambulocetids focuses on their locomotor adaptations.

Genera of Ambulocetidae Ambulocetus Gandakasia Himalayacetus Characters of Ambulocetidae Pterygoid process same height as braincase Medially placed, laterally facing orbits Medium-sized mandibular foramen

Head of Ambulocetus as drawn by Marion Lipka

The skeleton of Ambulocetus natans (approximately 12 feet long) To see a flesh-and-blood reconstruction go to Carl Buell's painting.

All pictures on Dr. Thewissen's pages are public access, although the source must be identified in publication.

Ambulocetidae | Basilosaurids and Dorudontids | Bibliography | Hearing | India |
Locomotion | Mysticetes | Odontocetes | Osmoregulation | Pakicetidae |
Pakistan | Protocetidae | Remingtonocetidae | Whale | Whale Origins!

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