Culture and social networks have played a large role in the evolution of modern cetaceans, as concluded in studies showing dolphins preferring mates with the same socially learned …

Aug 1, 2025 · The story of whale evolution is one of the most extraordinary and well-documented transitions in the history of life—an epic journey from land to sea that took place over tens of …

As whales evolved increasingly aquatic lifestyles, they also evolved nostrils located further and further back on their skulls. These more aquatic whales showed other changes that also …

The ancestors of whales were fur-covered land mammals that rarely entered the water, whereas whales today are fully aquatic and thrive in the oceans, seas, and— in some instances—great …

Jul 21, 2025 · The fossil record and modern genetics provide a clear picture of how four-legged land mammals gradually returned to the ocean to become today’s whales.

6 days ago · Whale, any of the larger species of aquatic mammals belonging to the order Cetacea. Whales are the heaviest known animals, living or fossil, reaching a maximum size in …

3 days ago · Sambaquis are archaeological shellmounds found in Brazil. Here, the authors use archaeological and molecular methods to show southern right whale, humpback whale, and …

Three groups of cetaceans arose from the land-dwelling ancestor or ancestors. The earliest group, the Archaeoceti, or ancient whales, died out about 20 million years ago.

Whales have existed for millions of years. Watch this animation from the Sant Ocean Hall to see how they evolved from land-dwellers to the animals we know today.

Whales evolved from early land mammals, adapting to life in the oceans by losing their hind limbs, growing a flat tail, developing flippers, and streamlining their bodies. This article looks at the …