In Depth
A relative of other primitive whales such as Dorudon and Zygorhiza, Ancalecetus would have been a toothed predatory whale that hunted other marine organisms for food. In fact, Ancalecetus is seen to be very similar to Dorudon atrox with the exception of the fore limbs of Ancalecetus being much smaller and closer to the body. This means that Ancalecetus would have had a reduced steering ability when compared to Dorudon, so it may have been a more specialised, perhaps slower predator.
Further Reading
- Ancalecetus simonsi, a new dorudontine archaeocete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the early late Eocene of Wadi Hitan, Egypt, P. D. Gingerich & M. D. Uhen - 1996.
