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: Rupelian
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b Uhen, M.D. (2008). "A new Xenorophus-like odontocete cetacean from the Oligocene of North Carolina and a discussion of the basal odontocete radiation". Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 6 (4): 433–452. Bibcode:2008JSPal...6..433U. doi:10.1017/S1477201908002472. S2CID 86668273.
  2. ^ Boessenecker, Robert W.; Ahmed, Erum; Geisler, Jonathan H. (2017-11-08). "New records of the dolphin Albertocetus meffordorum (Odontoceti: Xenorophidae) from the lower Oligocene of South Carolina: Encephalization, sensory anatomy, postcranial morphology, and ontogeny of early odontocetes". PLOS ONE. 12 (11): e0186476. Bibcode:2017PLoSO..1286476B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186476. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 5695589. PMID 29117197.