Eurhinodelphis
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| Eurhinodelphis Fossil range: Middle Miocene–Late Miocene |
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 Macrodelphinus and Eurhinodelphis
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Eurhinodelphis is an extinct genus of Miocene cetacean. Its fossils have been found in France, Belgium, and California.
[edit] Description
Eurhinodelphis was around 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length. In most respects, it would have looked like a modern dolphin or porpoise, but its upper jaw was elongated into a sharp tip similar to that of a swordfish. Most likely, Eurhinodelphis used it in a similar manner to swordfish, hitting or stabbing prey. It also had long, sharp teeth.[1]
Compared with earlier fossil species, Eurhinodelphis had complex ears, suggesting that it already hunted by echolocation like modern whales. Its brain was also asymmetrical, a trait found in modern dolphins, and possibly associated with the complexities of navigating its environment.[1]
Eurhinodelphis was closely related to the orca-sized Macrodelphinus.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 232. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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