7 minute lesson
It’s a Dog, It’s a Deer, It’s a… Whale?
Let’s start with a picture and a little game. The animal in the image is the ancient ancestor of some of the planet’s most remarkable creatures. Take a guess which ones…
This is the Ambulocetus natans. Contrary to their furry, not very aquatic exterior, they are the ancient cousins of modern whales. How did whales go from hairy animals that ruled river deltas to the enormous creatures we know and love today?
Well, PBS Eons has the answer.
Why It Matters
In such a short time in evolutionary history, whale ancestors went from tiny deer-like creatures to enormous masters of the sea. This turn of evolution shows the ways that life fills every available niche on this planet.
It’s fascinating to think about the forces that shaped the animals we are so familiar with today. What differences would we see had the climate or available resources changed?
These evolutionary stories are a fascinating way to find connections in obscure places on this planet. They are a reminder of how interconnected the story of life is on Earth.
Let's Talk About It
PBS Eons
A journey through the history of life on Earth. From the dawn of life in the Archaean Eon through the Mesozoic Era — the so-called “Age of Dinosaurs” — right up to the end of the most recent Ice Age. Produced in collaboration with PBS Digital Studios.