Qaisracetus

Kwai-rah-ce-tus.

one of the earliest whales

By Emerson Winslow
Updated on

Reviewed by Benjamin Gutierrez

Emerson Winslow

Paleoichthyologist

Emerson Winslow delves into the underwater world of prehistoric fish, uncovering the mysteries of early marine life. His discoveries have enhanced understanding of vertebrate evolution in aquatic environments.

Benjamin Gutierrez

Benjamin Gutierrez is a leading expert on dinosaurs, particularly the mighty theropods. His fieldwork in South America has uncovered new species and provided insights into dinosaur social structures.

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Winslow, E. (2013, January 23). Qaisracetus. Prehistoric-wildlife. https://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/qaisracetus/

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Name

Qaisracetus(Qaisra whale).

Phonetic

Kwai-rah-ce-tus.

Named By

P. D. Gingerich et al - 2001.

Classification

Chordta, Mammalia, Cetacea,Archaeoceti, Protocetidae, Protocetinae.

Diet

Carnivore.

Species

Q. arifi (type)

Size

Total length uncertain. Skull is 65centimetres long.

Known locations

Pakistan, Domanda Formation.

Time Period

Lutetian of the Eocene.

Fossil representation

Several specimens of partialremains.

In Depth

       Qaisracetus was one of the earliest whales. Analysis of the skull suggests that it was a carnivore similar in lifestyle to other predatory prehistoric whales.

Further Reading

  • Eocene stratrigraphy and archaeocete whales (Mammalia, Cetacea) of Drug Lahar in the eastern Sulaiman range, Balochistan (Pakistan). Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan 30(11):269-319. – P. D. Gingerich, M. Ul-Haq, I. H. Khan & I. S. Zalmout – 2001.

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