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The evolution of cetaceans is thought to have begun in the Indian subcontinent from even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) 50 million years ago (mya) and to have proceeded over a period of at least 15 million years. [2] Cetaceans are fully aquatic mammals belonging to the order Artiodactyla and branched off from other artiodactyls around 50 mya.
Anthracotherium (from Greek: ἄνθραξ anthrax, 'coal' and Greek: θηρίον therium 'beast') [3] is an extinct genus of artiodactyls characterized by having 44 teeth, with five semi-crescentic cusps on the crowns of the upper molars.
The four summarized Artiodactyla taxa are divided into ten extant families: [26] The camelids ( Tylopoda ) comprise only one family, Camelidae . It is a species-poor artiodactyl suborder of North American origin [ 27 ] that is well adapted to extreme habitats—the dromedary and Bactrian camels in the Old World deserts and the guanacos , llamas ...
The order Artiodactyla consists of 349 extant species belonging to 132 genera. This does not include hybrid species or extinct prehistoric species. Modern molecular studies indicate that the 132 genera can be grouped into 23 families; these families are grouped into named suborders and many are further grouped into named clades, and some of these families are subdivided into named subfamilies.
This category contains articles about extinct and prehistoric members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates
Elomeryx is an extinct genus of artiodactyl ungulate, and is among the earliest known anthracotheres.The genus was extremely widespread, first being found in Asia in the middle Eocene, in Europe during the latest Eocene, and having spread to North America by the early Oligocene. [1]
Ichthyolestes is the smallest pakicetid, approximately 29% smaller than Pakicetus, and has been considered “fox-sized.” [9] They retain many features typical of terrestrial Eocene artiodactyls, including long and gracile limb bones, a fused sacrum, small mandibular foramen, and no cranial telescoping.
Artiocetus fossils represent intermediate forms between land-living ungulates and whales, lending support to the theory that whales and hippopotami descended from a common ancestor. The discovery of this fossil is important as it helped solidify the theory that whales shared a common ancestor with Artiodactyla.