In search of the origin of crown Mysticeti
Journal
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Journal Volume
54
Journal Issue
Special issue: Fossil vertebrates from southern Zealandia
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
682
End Page
695
ISSN
0303-6758
Date Issued
2023-08-24
Author(s)
Abstract
Recent research on mysticete fossils from the Late Eocene and Oligocene has revolutionised our understanding of the diversity and evolutionary scenarios for early baleen whales. For example, aetiocetids are a possible, though controversial, lineage that bridges the gap between the toothed and baleen-bearing mysticetes, and eomysticetids show a further transitional step towards the baleen-bearing status, with the presence of non-functional dentition in adults. However, information about the origin of crown mysticetes, including the most recent common ancestor of all extant lineages and its descendants, is critical to further understanding the evolution of baleen whales. The phylogenetic positions of the Oligocene Toipahautea, Whakakai, Horopeta, and Mauicetus from New Zealand remain unresolved and problematic, but all four genera show a close relationship with crown mysticetes. The original and subsequent cladistic analyses have consistently revealed a sister relationship between the Toipahautea-to-Mauicetus grade and crown mysticetes, and Horopeta has been placed close to the cetotheriids within the crown group. This review aims to stimulate more research on this topic by elucidating the origin of crown mysticetes, which likely experienced a poorly known radiation event during the Oligocene that established the modern lineages.
Subjects
Baleen whale
New Zealand
Oligocene
Phylogeny
Toothed mysticete
SDGs
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Asia Pacific
Type
journal article