Albertocetus
Extinct genus of mammals
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Albertocetus is an extinct genus of primitive odontocete cetacean from early Oligocene (Rupelian) marine deposits in North Carolina, and belonging to the family Xenorophidae.[1]
| Albertocetus Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Infraorder: | Cetacea |
| Family: | †Xenorophidae |
| Genus: | †Albertocetus Uhen, 2008 |
| Species: | †A. meffordorum |
| Binomial name | |
| †Albertocetus meffordorum Uhen, 2008 | |
Description
Albertocetus is a relatively small whale, measuring 1.82 metres (6.0 ft) long and weighing approximately 51–73 kilograms (112–161 lb).[2] It is distinguished from other xenorophids in having a large lacrimal bone, a steep ascending process of the maxilla, a short but present intertemporal constriction with a sagittal crest, and a tall median ridge on the premaxilla. The teeth were heterodont and may have been polydont because other xenorophids are polydont.[1]
