Gingerich, P.D.; Smith, B.H.; Simons, E.L.
taxonomy · range · morphology · ecology · event-mechanism
The original report describes Egyptian Basilosaurus isis pelvic limbs and feet; the proposed copulatory role is a functional interpretation, not observed behaviour.
Egyptian Basilosaurus isis material preserves a tiny jointed pelvic limb and foot, and named specimen UM 93231 supplies measured femoral microstructure; terrestrial locomotion is excluded while a copulatory function remains inferred.
claim:event:basilosaurus-hind-limb-specimensThe atlas bounds Basilosaurus only with the sampled Basilosaurus isis material from the Birket Qarun Formation, including named hind-limb specimen UM 93231 within a broad approximately 37.7–35 Ma formation envelope; this is not a global genus range.
claim:taxon:basilosaurus:fossil-range