Mystacodon
| Mystacodon | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Infraorder: | Cetacea |
| Family: | †Llanocetidae |
| Genus: | †Mystacodon Lambert et al. 2017 |
| Species: | †M. selenensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| †Mystacodon selenensis Lambert et al. 2017
| |
Mystacodon is a genus of toothed
seafloor
.
Taxonomy
Mystacodon is the oldest known baleen whale, the
OU GS10897.[3]
The
locality of the Yumaque Formation it was found in, Playa Media Luna–"Half Moon Beach".[2]
Description
Mystacodon probably measured around 3.75 or 4 m (12.3 or 13.1 ft) in length, which is larger than nearly all
archaeocete whales, the snout is much more flattened, and the nostrils are much further up the snout. This flattening shows reduced function of the incisor teeth and grasping capabilities, and the increased length of the head allowed a greater mouth volume. It is uncertain if the whale had any baleen in its mouth, and, unlike archaeocetes, it lacks a sagittal crest, indicating a reduction of the temporalis muscle which is used in biting. The eye sockets are proportionally larger, are oriented farther forward, and are slightly more elevated. The premolars and molars
have two roots.
The
hip joint.[2]
Paleobiology
Mystacodon was likely a
anchovies–were found around the holotype. Myliobatis may have been a potential prey item.[2]
