4 The evolution of whales

Now that you have examined the challenges facing all aquatic mammals, it is interesting to consider the evolutionary pathway followed by them. There isn’t space in this short course to look at all the groups in detail. So, as a brief example, this section will explore what is known about the evolutionary history of the cetaceans.

Figure 17 Humpback whales

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There are two views of a humpback whale swimming at the surface, seen from above. One of the characteristic large white flippers can be seen in one photograph and the stubby dorsal fin in the other photograph.

Figure 17 Humpback whales