Extraordinary Development.
If you want to grasp the variety of domains and the astounding process of adapting to change of environment, then the evolution of whales is a good position with which to start. Fifty million years ago, the predecessor of the whale had legs and lived on land. It was a far more modest size, approximately about the size of a wolf and its name became known as Pakicetus attocki. The remains of this species have been found in Pakistan. It is from fossils that there is a progressive record of distinct animal forms, culminating in the modern seafaring whale, of today. How can paleontologists be sure that the fossils belong to the whale species? All whales can be recognised by a tiny ear bone that is unique to whales.
The Blue Whale is the largest living mammal and it is possible it has reached the limits of its growth. This might be because there is a limit to the time it takes to close its mouth, therefore limiting the amount of possible, potential food to eat.
In the sand of the African desert, fossils of whales have been found that have legs and even modern whales have remnants of hind legs. A major historical change in the temperature in prehistoric times could have saved the whales from becoming extinct. At that time there was a goliath of the deep in the form of a gigantic shark called the Megalodon which would have had no trouble in gobbling up whales. However sharks are cold blooded predators and can become lethargic at times when the temperature decreases. Whales are warm blooded and are able to migrate thousands of miles to colder areas.
Life is fragile and yet full of extraordinary development, its continuing survival may depend on many environmental pressures as well as other important, influencing factors. Some species of life can stay the same consistently for millions of years, whereas a section of that same species could evolve in another direction. One sure thing is life needs the potential for change and it is natural selection that guides its course. Natural creation and survival, can be in themselves hugely significant theoretic and practical aides, for extraordinary scientific development and enlightenment.
The Blue Whale is the largest living mammal and it is possible it has reached the limits of its growth. This might be because there is a limit to the time it takes to close its mouth, therefore limiting the amount of possible, potential food to eat.
In the sand of the African desert, fossils of whales have been found that have legs and even modern whales have remnants of hind legs. A major historical change in the temperature in prehistoric times could have saved the whales from becoming extinct. At that time there was a goliath of the deep in the form of a gigantic shark called the Megalodon which would have had no trouble in gobbling up whales. However sharks are cold blooded predators and can become lethargic at times when the temperature decreases. Whales are warm blooded and are able to migrate thousands of miles to colder areas.
Life is fragile and yet full of extraordinary development, its continuing survival may depend on many environmental pressures as well as other important, influencing factors. Some species of life can stay the same consistently for millions of years, whereas a section of that same species could evolve in another direction. One sure thing is life needs the potential for change and it is natural selection that guides its course. Natural creation and survival, can be in themselves hugely significant theoretic and practical aides, for extraordinary scientific development and enlightenment.
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