PubHawk
Science September 2001 PMID 11567134

Origin of whales from early artiodactyls: hands and feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan.

P D Gingerich, Haq Mu, I S Zalmout, I H Khan, M S Malkani

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Mentions

15
Peak: 2 in Mar 2023
across 4 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

3,807,446
potential audience

Total likes

112,198

Video views

3,797,723

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group generally agrees that the study provides solid fossil evidence supporting whale evolution from early terrestrial mammals, exemplified by comments referencing specific fossils like Ambulocetus and Rodhocetus. However, some posts express skepticism by highlighting inconsistencies or claiming the study oversimplifies genetic data, demonstrating a mix of support and critical engagement driven by scientific curiosity and debate.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the study as credible and consistent with scientific views on whale evolution, citing specific fossil evidence and referencing the scientific publication.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, with users debating implications, questioning credibility, and referencing genetic sequencing and fossil details.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments involve detailed analysis of fossil evidence, mentioning bones, morphology, and evolutionary processes, indicating moderate but meaningful engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions revolve around fundamental questions of evolutionary history, suggesting it has a noticeable influence on understanding whale origins and scientific discourse.

Abstract in brief

  • The discovery of partial skeletons of two ancient whale species, Artiocetus clavis and Rodhocetus balochistanensis, from 47 million years ago in Pakistan, provides important insights into early whale evolution.
  • These fossils contain ankle bones characteristic of artiodactyls (hoofed mammals), supporting the idea that whales evolved from early artiodactyl ancestors rather than mesonychians.
  • The fossils help clarify how early protocetids swam and increase understanding of the diversity and evolution of early whale relatives during the Eocene epoch.]
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Millard Fillmore White House Library
@FillmoreWhite · X

@somewhat22 @AJRuecker @EvoIutlon Anatomy is closely studied. Very few guesses in science. https://t.co/9479FRLP9V

Jul 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,739 followers View post →
gab
@_gxbrieu_ · X

@studyrodrigo https://t.co/TvtvtkzJaO toma o estudo revisado por pares mostrando que as baleias LITERALMENTE vieram de um mamífero terrestre que, por sua vez, evoluiu de um mamífero aquático. Quem será que tem mais credibilidade, a SCIENCE, confirmando DARWIN, ou o Rodrigo "Tesla"?

Nov 28, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 99 followers View post →
Axiom
@iddirAbassa · X

@Thousand335 @JimSichko - 2001 skeleton: Confirmed it was semi-aquatic (heavy limbs for wading, like a hippo. (https://t.co/xEfPW3A6XJ). 2.Ambulocetus(49MYA): Full skeleton found: Webbed feet, aquatic spine, but still could walk. 3. Rodhocetus(47MYA):- Reduced hind limbs, tail for swimming.

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 36 followers View post →
Rulon James Downard
@RJDownard · X

@Jesus_is_G_d @bubbacav85 @TertiusIII @TakeThatEpi @carlsmythe @tighe15 @StandBackUp2 @commonsensejan @michellmybell1 @rmbctious @ReviewResist @donholtmac @Cern_lXXl @Loriniowa @TedPerkins10 @LeannEAF @umfpt @Schmoop0521 @andyguy @MaryVMos1 @tklforgiven @geraldpayne25 @surgerysleeper @rorylane @rafearia @the_godparticle @RLBays @zythophiliac @feyeleanor @alan244g @phyzayo @funkydoolah @ScientiaPercept @2Cents69 @Mwforhr @omeagoz @Denbar64 @CollinOctantis @Kopernikus1966 @bobcat7000 @paulr140 @Pamiekp @TiSeven2 @CATGOD20 @delology @SteveTiger999 @amateurexegete Gingerich, Philip D., Munir ul Haq, Iyad S. Zalmout, Intizar Hussain Khan, & M. Sadiq Malkani. 2001. “Origin of Whales from Early Artiodactyls: Hands and Feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan.” Science 293 (21 September): 2239-2242.

Jan 10, 2019 · 3,610 followers View post →
Millard Fillmore White House Library
@FillmoreWhite · X

Dr. Gish quit galloping when he read this paper. Origin of whales from early artiodactyls: hands and feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan - PubMed https://t.co/E9fPknqo8P

Jul 6, 2023 · 2,739 followers View post →
Tommy
@Tommybunchanums · X

@BBPGangsta @am45_001 @NotEvolution1 "no leg or hand bones" We have the hands and legs, which are discussed in a paper from 2001. (though pictures are in the supplementary material) Make me think it's them lying. https://t.co/MibekYVvin https://t.co/9rqEQaEdZG They also seem to ignore genetic sequencing. https://t.co/SLeUVxfAZt

Sep 7, 2025 · 434 followers View post →

All mentions

congratulations you won text me via link on bio
@congratulaegga · X

RT @_gxbrieu_: @studyrodrigo https://t.co/TvtvtkzJaO toma o estudo revisado por pares mostrando que as baleias LITERALMENTE vieram de um ma…

Nov 28, 2025 · 1 share · 7 followers View post →
gab
@_gxbrieu_ · X

@studyrodrigo https://t.co/TvtvtkzJaO toma o estudo revisado por pares mostrando que as baleias LITERALMENTE vieram de um mamífero terrestre que, por sua vez, evoluiu de um mamífero aquático. Quem será que tem mais credibilidade, a SCIENCE, confirmando DARWIN, ou o Rodrigo "Tesla"?

Nov 28, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 99 followers View post →
Tommy
@Tommybunchanums · X

@BBPGangsta @am45_001 @NotEvolution1 "no leg or hand bones" We have the hands and legs, which are discussed in a paper from 2001. (though pictures are in the supplementary material) Make me think it's them lying. https://t.co/MibekYVvin https://t.co/9rqEQaEdZG They also seem to ignore genetic sequencing. https://t.co/SLeUVxfAZt

Sep 7, 2025 · 434 followers View post →
Axiom
@iddirAbassa · X

@Thousand335 @JimSichko - 2001 skeleton: Confirmed it was semi-aquatic (heavy limbs for wading, like a hippo. (https://t.co/xEfPW3A6XJ). 2.Ambulocetus(49MYA): Full skeleton found: Webbed feet, aquatic spine, but still could walk. 3. Rodhocetus(47MYA):- Reduced hind limbs, tail for swimming.

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 36 followers View post →
Millard Fillmore White House Library
@FillmoreWhite · X

Dr. Gish quit galloping when he read this paper. Origin of whales from early artiodactyls: hands and feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan - PubMed https://t.co/E9fPknqo8P

Jul 6, 2023 · 2,739 followers View post →
Millard Fillmore White House Library
@FillmoreWhite · X

@somewhat22 @AJRuecker @EvoIutlon Anatomy is closely studied. Very few guesses in science. https://t.co/9479FRLP9V

Jul 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,739 followers View post →
ivacheung.com
@ivacheung.com · Bluesky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pibJ83crQs

Mar 31, 2023 View post →
moh scorpion
@mohscorpion · X

@_yakhmak @BlueJakk آفرین یخمک جان دقیقا استخونهای اضافه از پاهای عقبی و دستها باقی مونده چه دقت زیبایی کردی "Origin of Whales from Early Artiodactyls: Hands and Feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan | Science" https://t.co/R6JpviCZVk

Feb 6, 2021 · 56 followers View post →
Rulon James Downard
@RJDownard · X

@Jesus_is_G_d @bubbacav85 @TertiusIII @TakeThatEpi @carlsmythe @tighe15 @StandBackUp2 @commonsensejan @michellmybell1 @rmbctious @ReviewResist @donholtmac @Cern_lXXl @Loriniowa @TedPerkins10 @LeannEAF @umfpt @Schmoop0521 @andyguy @MaryVMos1 @tklforgiven @geraldpayne25 @surgerysleeper @rorylane @rafearia @the_godparticle @RLBays @zythophiliac @feyeleanor @alan244g @phyzayo @funkydoolah @ScientiaPercept @2Cents69 @Mwforhr @omeagoz @Denbar64 @CollinOctantis @Kopernikus1966 @bobcat7000 @paulr140 @Pamiekp @TiSeven2 @CATGOD20 @delology @SteveTiger999 @amateurexegete Gingerich, Philip D., Munir ul Haq, Iyad S. Zalmout, Intizar Hussain Khan, & M. Sadiq Malkani. 2001. “Origin of Whales from Early Artiodactyls: Hands and Feet of Eocene Protocetidae from Pakistan.” Science 293 (21 September): 2239-2242.

Jan 10, 2019 · 3,610 followers View post →