Created by Citation bot
Last edited September 8, 2025
>Citation bot
Removed parameters. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Jonesey95 | Pages linked from cached User:Jonesey95/sandbox | via #UCB_webform_linked 428/1134
 
Glorywebs (talk | contribs)
m minor edit
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Extinct protocetid early whale}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Short description|extinct protocetid early whale}}
{{Automatic taxobox
{{Italic title}}
{{Automatic Taxobox
| name              = Babiacetus
| name              = Babiacetus
|image= Babiacetus IITR-SB 2512.jpg
|image= Babiacetus IITR-SB 2512.jpg
|image_caption= lower jaw of Babiacetus
|image_caption= lower jaw of Babiacetus
| fossil_range      = [[Eocene|Middle Eocene]], {{Fossil range|48.6|40.4}}
| fossil_range      = [[Eocene|Middle Eocene]], {{Fossil range|47.8|40.4}}
| taxon            = Babiacetus
| taxon            = Babiacetus
| authority        = {{Harvnb|Trivedy|Satsangi|1984}}
| authority        = {{Harvnb|Trivedy|Satsangi|1984}}
Line 15: Line 15:
}}
}}


'''''Babiacetus''''' is an [[Extinction|extinct]] [[genus]] of early [[cetacea]]n that lived during the late [[Lutetian]] [[middle Eocene]] of [[India]] ({{Mya|48.6|40.4}}).<ref>{{Paleodb|53315|Babiacetus}}. Retrieved March 2013.</ref><ref name="Babia">{{Paleodb|collection|45592|Babia Hills}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref>
'''''Babiacetus''''' is an [[Extinction|extinct]] [[genus]] of early [[cetacea]]n that lived during the late [[Lutetian]] [[middle Eocene]] of [[India]] ({{Mya|47.8|40.4}}).<ref>{{Paleodb|53315|Babiacetus}}. Retrieved March 2013.</ref><ref name="Babia">{{Paleodb|collection|45592|Babia Hills}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref>
It was named after its type locality, the [[Harudi Formation]]<ref>{{Paleodb|collection|76316|Harudi}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref> in the [[Babia Hill]]s ({{Coord|23.5|68.8|display=inline}}: paleocoordinates {{Coord|5.9|61.8|display=inline}}), [[Kutch District]], Gujarat, India.<ref name="Babia" />
It was named after its type locality, the [[Harudi Formation]]<ref>{{Paleodb|collection|76316|Harudi}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref> in the [[Babia Hill]]s ({{Coord|23.5|68.8|display=inline}}: paleocoordinates {{Coord|5.9|61.8|display=inline}}), [[Kutch District]], Gujarat, India.<ref name="Babia" />


== Discovery ==
''Babiacetus'' was named by {{Harvnb|Trivedy|Satsangi|1984}} in an abstract based on the specimen's type (GSI 19647, left and right dentaries with cheek teeth).<ref name="Palaeocritti">{{Cite web
''Babiacetus'' was named by {{Harvnb|Trivedy|Satsangi|1984}} in an abstract based on the specimen's type (GSI 19647, left and right dentaries with cheek teeth).<ref name="Palaeocritti">{{Cite web
  | title = Babiacetus | publisher = Palaeocritti
  | title = Babiacetus | publisher = Palaeocritti
  | url = http://www.palaeocritti.com/by-group/eutheria/cetacea/archaeoceti/babiacetus
  | url = http://www.palaeocritti.com/by-group/eutheria/cetacea/archaeoceti/babiacetus
  | access-date = 27 March 2013}}</ref> Gingerich and colleagues found a skull (GSP-UM 3005, much of a skull and lower jaws)<ref name="Palaeocritti" /> while collecting a skeleton of a new species of [[Protosiren]] (''Protosiren sattaensis'')<ref>{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| loc=Introduction, p. 332}}</ref> in the [[Drazinda Formation]] (<!-- location coordinates from Gingerich et al. 1995, p. 348: {{Coord|30|44|50|N|70|28|15|E|display=inline}} -->{{Coord|30.8|N|70.5|E|display=inline}}, paleocoordinates {{Coord|16.9|N|67.1|E|display=inline}})<ref>{{Paleodb|collection|28980|Bari Nadi 2}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref> in the [[Sulaiman Range]] of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], Pakistan. {{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995}} described both the original find and their new specimen.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998">{{Harvnb|Bajpai|Thewissen|1998| pp=226–8}}</ref>
  | access-date = 27 March 2013}}</ref> Gingerich and colleagues found a skull (GSP-UM 3005, much of a skull and lower jaws)<ref name="Palaeocritti" /> while collecting a skeleton of a new species of ''[[Protosiren]]'' (''Protosiren sattaensis'')<ref>{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| loc=Introduction, p. 332}}</ref> in the [[Drazinda Formation]] (<!-- location coordinates from Gingerich et al. 1995, p. 348: {{Coord|30|44|50|N|70|28|15|E|display=inline}} -->{{Coord|30.8|N|70.5|E|display=inline}}, paleocoordinates {{Coord|16.9|N|67.1|E|display=inline}})<ref>{{Paleodb|collection|28980|Bari Nadi 2}}. Retrieved April 2013.</ref> in the [[Sulaiman Range]] of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]. {{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995}} described both the original find and their new specimen.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998">{{Harvnb|Bajpai|Thewissen|1998| pp=226–8}}</ref>
{{Harvnb|Bajpai|Thewissen|1998}} described ''B. mishrai'' from the specimen (RUSB 2512, a partial skull)<ref name="Palaeocritti" /> collected in the Harudi Formation.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998" /><ref>{{Paleodb|63126|Babiacetus mishrai}}. Retrieved March 2013.</ref>
{{Harvnb|Bajpai|Thewissen|1998}} described ''[[Babiacetus mishrai|B. mishrai]]'' from the specimen (RUSB 2512, a partial skull)<ref name="Palaeocritti" /> collected in the Harudi Formation.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998" /><ref>{{Paleodb|63126|Babiacetus mishrai}}. Retrieved March 2013.</ref>


''Babiacetus'' is one of the larger protocetids.<ref name="Gingerich-etal">{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| pp=348–53}}</ref> Its hydrodynamic skull and pointed, anteroposteriorly (front-back) oriented incisors are typical of archaeocetes.  A densely ossified [[auditory bulla]] and large [[mandibular canal]] indicate it was adapted for hearing in water.<ref name="Gingerich-etal-354">{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| pp=354–5}}</ref> ''Babiacetus'' differs from pakicetids and ambulocetids (more primitive families) by the large mandibular foramen and a medially concave [[Ramus of the mandible|ascending ramus]]; distinct from remingtonocetids and basilosauroids (more derived families) by the single-cusped [[trigonid]] and [[talonid]] on the lower molars.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998" />  Its long [[synostotic]] (fused) [[mandibular symphysis]], which reaches as far back as P<sub>2</sub>, distinguishes it from ''[[Pappocetus]]'' and ''[[Georgiacetus]]'' (other protocetids). Its auditory bulla is more narrow than ''[[Rodhocetus]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>. ''Babiacetus'' lacks the prominent molar protocone present in ''[[Indocetus]]''.<ref name="Williams">{{Harvnb|Williams|1998| pp=12–13}}</ref>
== Description ==
The anterior premolars are large.<ref name="Gingerich-etal"/>
''Babiacetus'' is one of the larger protocetids weighing about {{convert|830|kg|lb}}.<ref name="Gingerich-etal">{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| pp=348–53}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Gingerich |first1=Philip D. |last2=Arif |first2=M. |last3=Bhatti |first3=M. Akram |last4=Anwar |first4=M. |last5=Sanders |first5=William J. |year=1997 |title=''Basilosaurus drazindai'' and ''Basiloterus hussaini'', New Archaeoceti (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Middle Eocene Drazinda Formation, with a Revised Interpretation of Ages of Whale-Bearing Strata in the Kirthar Group of the Sulaiman Range, Punjab (Pakistan) |url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/48652/ID519.pdf?sequence=2|journal=Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan|volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=55–81}}</ref> Its hydrodynamic skull and pointed, anteroposteriorly (front-back) oriented [[Incisor|incisors]] are typical of archaeocetes.  A densely ossified [[Tympanic part of the temporal bone|auditory bulla]] and large [[mandibular canal]] indicate it was adapted for hearing in water.<ref name="Gingerich-etal-354">{{Harvnb|Gingerich|Arif|Bhatti|Raza|1995| pp=354–5}}</ref> ''Babiacetus'' differs from [[Pakicetidae|pakicetids]] and [[Ambulocetidae|ambulocetids]] (more primitive families) by the large mandibular foramen and a medially concave [[Ramus of the mandible|ascending ramus]]; distinct from [[Remingtonocetidae|remingtonocetids]] and [[Basilosauridae|basilosaurids]] (more derived families) by the single-cusped [[trigonid]] and [[talonid]] on the lower molars.<ref name="Bajpai-Thewissen-1998" />  Its long [[synostotic]] (fused) [[mandibular symphysis]], which reaches as far back as P<sub>2</sub>, distinguishes it from ''[[Pappocetus]]'' and ''[[Georgiacetus]]'' (other protocetids). Its auditory bulla is more narrow than ''[[Rodhocetus]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>. ''Babiacetus'' lacks the prominent molar protocone present in ''[[Indocetus]]''.<ref name="Williams">{{Harvnb|Williams|1998| pp=12–13}}</ref> The anterior [[Premolar|premolars]] are large.<ref name="Gingerich-etal" />


Its large size as well as robust teeth suggest that it fed on larger fishes or aquatic vertebrates, or both. To date, only cranial remains have been found, hence nothing is known of ''Babicetus''<nowiki>'</nowiki> mode of locomotion or degree of aquatic adaptation.<ref name="Gingerich-etal-354" />
The [[mandible]] is longer in ''[[Babiacetus indicus|B. indicus]]'' than in ''B. mishrai'', and P<sub>1</sub> is single-rooted in the former but double-rooted in the latter. The [[Diastema (dentistry)|diastemata]] between P<sub>1</sub> and P<sub>4</sub> in ''B. indicus'' is absent in ''B. mishrai''. ''B. indicus'' has larger cheek teeth and a larger M<sub>3</sub>.<ref name="Williams" />


The mandible is longer in ''B. indicus'' than in ''B. mishrai'', and P<sub>1</sub> is single-rooted in the former but double-rooted in the latter.  The [[Diastema (dentistry)|diastemata]] between P<sub>1</sub> and P<sub>4</sub> in ''B. indicus'' is absent in ''B. mishrai''.  ''B. indicus'' has larger cheek teeth and a larger M<sub>3</sub>.<ref name="Williams" />
== Palaeobiology ==
The teeth of ''Babiacetus'' exhibit substantial [[Spall|spalling]], suggesting that this cetacean fed on hard-bodied [[Predation|prey]] of relatively large size.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Thewissen |first1=J. G. M. |last2=Sensor |first2=Jennifer D. |last3=Clementz |first3=Mark T. |last4=Bajpai |first4=Sunil |date=Fall 2011 |title=Evolution of dental wear and diet during the origin of whales |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/paleobiology/article/abs/evolution-of-dental-wear-and-diet-during-the-origin-of-whales/502EC50E22A74FA8AA7092CBA74C70BB |journal=[[Paleobiology (journal)|Paleobiology]] |language=en |volume=37 |issue=4 |pages=655–669 |doi=10.1666/10038.1 |issn=0094-8373 |access-date=16 September 2024 |via=Cambridge Core|url-access=subscription }}</ref> To date, only cranial remains have been found, hence nothing is known of ''Babicetus''<nowiki>'</nowiki> mode of locomotion or degree of aquatic adaptation.<ref name="Gingerich-etal-354" />


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 73: Line 75:
{{Archaeoceti}}
{{Archaeoceti}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q16748752}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q16748752}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Protocetidae]]
[[Category:Protocetidae]]

Latest revision as of 08:30, 8 September 2025



Babiacetus
lower jaw of Babiacetus
Scientific classification e
: [[Template:Taxonomy/Babiacetus]]
Trivedy & Satsangi 1984
Species

Babiacetus is an extinct genus of early cetacean that lived during the late Lutetian middle Eocene of India (Template:Mya).[1][2] It was named after its type locality, the Harudi Formation[3] in the Babia Hills (23°30′N 68°48′E / 23.5°N 68.8°E / 23.5; 68.8: paleocoordinates 5°54′N 61°48′E / 5.9°N 61.8°E / 5.9; 61.8), Kutch District, Gujarat, India.[2]

Discovery[edit | edit source]

Babiacetus was named by Trivedy & Satsangi 1984 in an abstract based on the specimen's type (GSI 19647, left and right dentaries with cheek teeth).[4] Gingerich and colleagues found a skull (GSP-UM 3005, much of a skull and lower jaws)[4] while collecting a skeleton of a new species of Protosiren (Protosiren sattaensis)[5] in the Drazinda Formation (30°48′N 70°30′E / 30.8°N 70.5°E / 30.8; 70.5, paleocoordinates 16°54′N 67°06′E / 16.9°N 67.1°E / 16.9; 67.1)[6] in the Sulaiman Range of Punjab, Pakistan. Gingerich et al. 1995 described both the original find and their new specimen.[7] Bajpai & Thewissen 1998 described B. mishrai from the specimen (RUSB 2512, a partial skull)[4] collected in the Harudi Formation.[7][8]

Description[edit | edit source]

Babiacetus is one of the larger protocetids weighing about 830 kilograms (1,830 lb).[9][10] Its hydrodynamic skull and pointed, anteroposteriorly (front-back) oriented incisors are typical of archaeocetes. A densely ossified auditory bulla and large mandibular canal indicate it was adapted for hearing in water.[11] Babiacetus differs from pakicetids and ambulocetids (more primitive families) by the large mandibular foramen and a medially concave ascending ramus; distinct from remingtonocetids and basilosaurids (more derived families) by the single-cusped trigonid and talonid on the lower molars.[7] Its long synostotic (fused) mandibular symphysis, which reaches as far back as P2, distinguishes it from Pappocetus and Georgiacetus (other protocetids). Its auditory bulla is more narrow than Rodhocetus'. Babiacetus lacks the prominent molar protocone present in Indocetus.[12] The anterior premolars are large.[9]

The mandible is longer in B. indicus than in B. mishrai, and P1 is single-rooted in the former but double-rooted in the latter. The diastemata between P1 and P4 in B. indicus is absent in B. mishrai. B. indicus has larger cheek teeth and a larger M3.[12]

Palaeobiology[edit | edit source]

The teeth of Babiacetus exhibit substantial spalling, suggesting that this cetacean fed on hard-bodied prey of relatively large size.[13] To date, only cranial remains have been found, hence nothing is known of Babicetus' mode of locomotion or degree of aquatic adaptation.[11]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. Template:Paleodb. Retrieved March 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Template:Paleodb. Retrieved April 2013.
  3. Template:Paleodb. Retrieved April 2013.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Babiacetus". Palaeocritti. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  5. Gingerich et al. 1995, Introduction, p. 332
  6. Template:Paleodb. Retrieved April 2013.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Bajpai & Thewissen 1998, pp. 226–8
  8. Template:Paleodb. Retrieved March 2013.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Gingerich et al. 1995, pp. 348–53
  10. Gingerich, Philip D.; Arif, M.; Bhatti, M. Akram; Anwar, M.; Sanders, William J. (1997). "Basilosaurus drazindai and Basiloterus hussaini, New Archaeoceti (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Middle Eocene Drazinda Formation, with a Revised Interpretation of Ages of Whale-Bearing Strata in the Kirthar Group of the Sulaiman Range, Punjab (Pakistan)" (PDF). Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan. 30 (2): 55–81.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Gingerich et al. 1995, pp. 354–5
  12. 12.0 12.1 Williams 1998, pp. 12–13
  13. Thewissen, J. G. M.; Sensor, Jennifer D.; Clementz, Mark T.; Bajpai, Sunil (Fall 2011). "Evolution of dental wear and diet during the origin of whales". Paleobiology. 37 (4): 655–669. doi:10.1666/10038.1. ISSN 0094-8373. Retrieved 16 September 2024 – via Cambridge Core.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Bajpai, S.; Thewissen, J. G. M. (1998). "Middle Eocene Cetaceans from the Harudi and Subathu Formations of India". In Thewissen, J. G. M. (ed.). The Emergence of Whales. Advances in vertebrate paleobiology. New York: Plenum Press. pp. 213–233. ISBN 9780306458538. OCLC 300450327. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  • Gingerich, Philip D.; Arif, Muhammad; Bhatti, M. Akram; Raza, Hilal A.; Raza, S. Mahmood (1995). "Protosiren and Babiacetus (Mammalia, Sirenia and Cetacea) from the Middle Eocene Drazinda Formation, Sulaiman Range, Punjab (Pakistan)". Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology. 29 (12): 331–57. hdl:2027.42/48651. OCLC 742731921.
  • Trivedy, A. N.; Satsangi, P. P. (1984). "A new archaeocete (whale) from the Eocene of India". Abstracts of 27th International Geological Congress, Moscow. 1: 322–23.
  • Williams, Ellen M. (1998). "Synopsis of the Earliest Cetaceans". In Thewissen, J. G. M. (ed.). The Emergence of Whales. Advances in vertebrate paleobiology. New York: Plenum Press. ISBN 9780306458538. OCLC 300450327.

Template:Archaeoceti