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Basilosaurus - King of the Eocene Seas[]

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Basilosaurus mating. Note the vestigal hindlimbs interlocking together, for stability in the water column.

Basilosaurus (King Lizard) was a relatively primitive, predatory whale, that could reach 15-18 metres long.

Basilosaurus was once known by a few such as Sir Richard Owen (who invented the unused name) as "Zeuglodon", meaning "Yoked Teeth".

This would have actually been far more scientifically sound, considering the fact that Basilosaurus is certainly not a reptile as the Basilosaurus meaning "King/Regal Lizard", implies, but when it was first discovered it was thought to have been a marine reptile like the also large Liopleurodon and Tylosaurus. "Zeuglodon" refers to the double rooted teeth, characteristic of marine mammals.

Basilosaurus would not have been quite as intelligent as modern whales, with a more ancient anatomy closer to that of it's ancestors from the land in terms of cranial (skull) morphology and brain capacity. However, it would have been intelligent enough to be a deadly ambush and pursuit predator, with more than enough brainpower to hunt smaller sharks, smaller ancient whales and semi-aquatic mammals such as Moeritherium.

Specials[]

Basilosaurus is the main hazard in the Fourth Most Dangerous Sea, in Sea Monsters: A Walking with Dinosaurs Trilogy.

Nigel Marven attracts one by playing a Basilosaurus call, but when the monster whale arrives it attacks the boat and destroys the speaker. The boat is Ancient Mariner. Dorudon also appears in this special. Basilosaurus appears in Walking with Beasts: Whale Killer.

Images[]

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Dorudon harass the danger to their infants.

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Basilosaurus attacks a defenceless Dorudon calf in the oceanic lagoon.

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