3.3" Basilosaurus Vertebrae Fossil Prehistoric Whale 34 Mil Yrs Old Late Eocene COA
Location: Dakhla, Western Sahara, South Morocco
Weight: 8.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.3 Inches Long, 2.5 Inches Wide, 2.1 Inches Thick (Matrix)
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Name: Basilosaurus (King Lizard).
Diet: Piscivore/Carnivore.
Size: Estimated between 50 Feet to 70 feet
Known locations: North Africa
Time period: Late Eocene Period, 40 to 34 Million Years Ago
Basilosaurus, an apex marine mammal from the Late Eocene epoch (40-34 million years ago), represents a critical evolutionary stage in cetacean development. This formidable predator measured approximately 70 feet in length with an estimated mass of 15 tons, positioning it as a dominant oceanic carnivore. Initially misclassified as a reptile upon its 19th-century discovery in North America—hence the nomenclature "king lizard"—subsequent paleontological analysis revealed sophisticated predatory adaptations. Dental morphology and jaw structure indicate a bite force exceeding 2,300 pounds of pressure, enabling efficient predation on large fish, smaller cetaceans, and comparable prey. This vertebral specimen provides direct paleontological evidence of Basilosaurus anatomy and physiology, offering valuable insights into Eocene marine ecosystems and the evolutionary trajectory of modern whales.
