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Story: Dolphins

Pakicetus, whale and dolphin ancestor

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<em>Pakicetus</em>, whale and dolphin ancestor

This reconstruction of Pakicetus, the earliest cetacean, is based on skeletons found in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The ear region of the skull resembles fossil and modern whales, and the teeth and other features are similar to those of some fossil whales.

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The Thewissen Lab, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

by Carl Buell

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How to cite this page

Gerard Hutching, Dolphins – Ancient dolphins – the fossil record, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/4690/pakicetus-whale-and-dolphin-ancestor (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 September 2015.