Gingerich, P.D.; Antar, M.S.M.; Zalmout, I.S.
taxonomy · topology · range · morphology · ecology · event-mechanism · geochronology · methods · biogeography
Holotype CGM 60584 and referred specimen CGM 60583 come from the lower Gehannam Formation; the paper discloses a Bartonian–Priabonian age conflict and treats tail propulsion as a functional inference.
Aegicetus holotype CGM 60584 records loss of a weight-bearing sacroiliac joint, posterior vertebral elongation and limb reduction; a shift toward mid-body-and-tail propulsion is inferred, not directly observed, and a fluke is not preserved.
claim:event:aegicetus-holotype-tail-propulsionCGM 60584 defines Aegicetus gehennae and is routed under Protocetidae through Georgiacetinae; this classification is not a direct ancestor statement.
claim:taxon:aegicetus:taxonomyThe profile represents lower Gehannam Formation material from Wadi Al Hitan and does not establish the full range of Aegicetus.
claim:taxon:aegicetus:biogeographyMarine predation and tail-driven swimming are anatomical inferences; prey, performance and a tail fluke were not directly preserved.
claim:taxon:aegicetus:ecologyCGM 60584 preserves much associated postcranium with an elongate trunk, unfused sacrals, reduced limbs and no weight-bearing sacroiliac joint.
claim:taxon:aegicetus:morphologyThe 37.71 Ma display point exposes a boundary translation amid conflicting stratigraphic evidence and is not an exact specimen date, FAD or LAD.
claim:taxon:aegicetus:fossil-range