Xenorophid Ancient Whales | Curiosity Trek!

Kaltura

Back during the Paleogene period, an ancient family of odontocete whales once lived in the seas of southeastern North America; almost exclusively in the South Carolina area! These whales were called Xenorophids... Almost sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, doesn't it?

Xenorophids are ancient ancestors of dolphins, and why are they worth remembering? Just look at their teeth! Xenorophids are also believed to be the earliest known whales with the ability to use biosonar, or as it's more commonly known, echolocation!

Host Andrew takes a "dive" into the history of these ancient whales by making a trip to Charleston to visit the College of Charleston's Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. Special guests Dr. Scott Persons and Mike Stoller join to discuss why Xenorophids are so fascinating!

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