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'''''Pakicetus''''' is an extinct land [[mammal]] discovered in [[Pakistan]]'s early Eocene layer (dated approximately 55-33 Ma). It was discovered in 1983 by 3 paleontologists including [[Philip D. Gingerich|Philip Gingerich]], who recently analyzed the [[Darwinius masillae]] fossil "Ida."

'''''Pakicetus''''' is an extinct land [[mammal]] discovered in [[Pakistan]]'s early Eocene layer (dated approximately 55-33 Ma). It was discovered in 1983 by 3 paleontologists including [[Philip D. Gingerich|Philip Gingerich]], who recently analyzed the [[Darwinius masillae]] fossil "Ida."

The original finds from 1983 included only skull fragments. Gingerich classified ''Pakicetus'' as a cetacean based on its inner ear, and he originally thought that it was aquatic or amphibious. However, full skeletons were discovered in 2001, and these revealed that ''Pakicetus'' was a wolf-like land mammal, with legs capable of running.  

The original finds from 1983 included only skull fragments. Gingerich classified ''Pakicetus'' as a cetacean based on its inner ear, and he originally thought that it was aquatic or amphibious. However, full skeletons were discovered in 2001, and these revealed that ''Pakicetus'' was a wolf-like land mammal, with legs capable of running.

''Pakicetus'' is currently viewed by [[Evolution|evolutionists]] as a [[transitional form]] between land mammals and modern, aquatic cetaceans like [[Whale|whales]] and [[Dolphin|dolphins]].

''Pakicetus'' is currently viewed by [[Evolution|evolutionists]] as a [[transitional form]] between land mammals and modern, aquatic cetaceans like [[Whale|whales]] and [[Dolphin|dolphins]].

Creationists are likely to view it as a land animal with no connection to cetaceans. Indeed, its inner ear is the only cetacean-like feature in ''Pakicetus''.<ref>http://creation.com/not-at-all-like-a-whale</ref>

 

Creationists view it as a land animal with no connection to cetaceans. Indeed, its inner ear is the only cetacean-like feature in ''Pakicetus''.<ref>http://creation.com/not-at-all-like-a-whale</ref>

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