Basilosaurus

American  

[bas-uh-luh-sawr-uhs] / ˌbæs ə ləˈsɔr əs /

noun

1. a genus of large prehistoric whales of the Eocene period whose fossil remains have been found mainly in North America, having a slender body, vestigial hind limbs, and bony external ear canals.

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Other Word Forms

• Basilosauruses noun

Example Sentences

In 1842, a vast, nearly intact skeleton was unearthed on a plantation in Alabama; it was soon identified as a member of Basilosaurus, a recently named genus of prehistoric sea serpent.

From New York Times

Skeletal traits indicate Perucetus was related to Basilosaurus, another early whale that was similar in length but less massive.

From Reuters

Basilosaurus, however, was an active predator boasting a streamlined body, powerful jaws and large teeth.

From Reuters

"Perucetus indicates that cetaceans developed gigantism at least twice: in relatively recent times, with the evolution of the large baleen whales, and some 40 million years ago, with the radiation of the Basilosaurus relatives of which Perucetus is the most extraordinary representative," Bianucci said.

From Reuters

Scientists think the ancient mammal was a basilosaurus, part of the aquatic cetacean family, whose contemporary descendents include whales, dolphins and porpoises.

From Reuters