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Biomechanical Perspective on the Origin of Cetacean Flukes

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The Emergence of Whales

Part of the book series: Advances in Vertebrate Paleobiology ((AIVP,volume 1))

Abstract

The evolution of aquatic forms from terrestrial ancestors has been a reoccurring event in the history of the vertebrates. As these animals adapted to the aquatic environment, the most derived representatives developed structures and mechanisms for high-performance propulsion in water. These organisms converged on propulsive modes that utilized oscillating hydrofoils for rapid and sustained swimming (Howell, 1930; Webb, 1975; Webb and Buffrénil, 1990; Fish, 1993a).

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  1. Department of Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19383, USA

    Frank E. Fish

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  1. Department of Anatomy, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, 44272, USA

    J. G. M. Thewissen

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Fish, F.E. (1998). Biomechanical Perspective on the Origin of Cetacean Flukes. In: Thewissen, J.G.M. (eds) The Emergence of Whales. Advances in Vertebrate Paleobiology, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0159-0_10

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