Anatomical description and phylogenetic analysis of Miocene beaked whale from the East African Rift Valley, Kenya

Authors

Andrew Lin, Southern Methodist UniversityFollow

Contributor(s)

Dr. Louis Jacobs

Publication Date

4-15-2013

Abstract

This study compares the anatomy of a Miocene whale fossil found in Kenya to that of modern and other fossil beaked whales in order to identify it using phylogenetic analysis. The specimen is a partial skull and lacks diagnostic features present in the posterior regions of the skull, but a parsimony analysis based on available characters determined the whale is likely linked to modern Mesoplodon and Hyperoodon. Identification of this specimen is necessary for biogeographical purposes and other investigations using the fossil as a marker for the paleocoastline. Furthermore, this whale is an important and unique tool that can be used to study the development of the East African Rift.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Miocene beaked whale, East African Rift Valley, Kenya, Engaged Learning 2013

Disciplines

Earth Sciences | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Part of

Engaged Learning

Extent

15 pages

Format

.pdf

Rights

The files in this collection are protected by copyright law. No commercial reproduction or distribution of these files is permitted without the written permission of Southern Methodist University, Office of the Provost. These files may be freely used for educational purposes, provided they are not altered in any way, and Southern Methodist University is cited. For more information, contact ncds@smu.edu.

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Lin, Andrew, "Anatomical description and phylogenetic analysis of Miocene beaked whale from the East African Rift Valley, Kenya" (2013). Collection of Engaged Learning. 10.
https://scholar.smu.edu/upjournal_research/10