The Whale Family Tree

This family tree shows how the ancestors of whales moved gradually from land to sea. Early whales took advantage of abundant marine resources. Baleen whales evolved later as polar climates cooled and marine resources became more concentrated, making filter feeding effective. Learn more at "Did Whale Evolution Go Backwards?"

This family tree shows how the ancestors of whales moved gradually from land to sea.
Mary Parrish/Smithsonian Institution

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