Nature Photos That Opened Our Eyes

Intact 40 Million Year Old Basilosaurus

This intact Basilosaurus fossil was uncovered during an excavation at Wadi Al-Hitan in Egypt. Basilosaurus are early predatory whales dating about 40 million years ago. They had long, eel-like bodies and their bones were used by residents of the southeastern U.S. as andirons for fireplaces or foundation posts for houses. Basilosaurus is the State Fossil of Mississippi and Alabama.

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