Skulls (IMAGE)

University of Michigan

Skulls

Caption

Evolutionary relationships between terrestrial even-toed hoofed mammals (artiodactyls), Eocene archaeocete whales, and modern toothed and baleen whales. The skulls of archaeocetes and toothed whales are asymmetrical, but the skulls of artiodactyls and baleen whales are symmetrical. Asymmetry evolved in archaeocetes and was later exaggerated in toothed whales. Asymmetry was reduced in baleen whales.

Credit

Credit: Julia M. Fahlke

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