When Whales Walked

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We know whales as graceful giants bound to the sea. But what if we told you there was actually a time when whales could walk.

Produced for PBS Digital Studios.

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[spinoboy]

Sharks: we’ve been here for millions of years, before the dinosaurs and the Permian, this makes us the kings of the ocean.
Some deer thing: hold my beer

[MrStensnask]

As a zoologist/ecologist I'm so grateful that there are dedicated people like you guys putting out educational videos like this one. Keep spreading the knowledge.

[Aester]

Mammals: imma evolve traits optimum for a terrestrial habitat
Whales: *Uno reverse card*

[DieNextInLINE]

I started off with "The Time Terror Birds Invaded" and now I'm stuck in a PBS Eons spiral.
This channel is amazing, and the hosts are all great.

[rollomaughfling]

"Some are gentle filter feeders . . ."

Krill (raising hands): "Umm . . ."

[pompe]

There's something about the phrase "tiny, cat-sized deer things" that I love.

[ishitagupta]

This is hands down, one of the best series on YouTube and I'm so glad it exists.

[megaclodsire]

"gentle filter feeders"
10 billion krill beg to differ

[Potetly]

I know the professor who discovered the Walking Whale! “Nate” as we call ambulocetus natans, is our school’s mascot! Hans is also a hilarious person.

[MonicaRamirez-pfxr]

Watching this with my 3 year old son. love the videos, we always learn so much.

[meusana]

It would be highly unlikely for warm blooded animals to have evolved in the ocean. However, when a mammal transitions into the ocean, it suddenly has an advantage over all fish in that it can regulate its body temperature.

[CafeRamocha]

the evolution of whales has always been one of my favorite evolutionary happenings, and just learning about it again in video form reminds me of just how cool it is!!!!

[af]

I did not realize whales evolved that fast, 25 million years, especially considering their long reproductive cycles and life span.

[rateeightx]

4:32 Speaking Of Dugongs, Rest In Peace Steller's Sea Cow, You Shall Not Be Forgotten.

[Jonas-ejid]

My favourite PBS video
Whales are so mystical.
The background music is so relaxing
Gives me chills

[soulpanda]

So I find it interesting that the cute little, cat-deer thing already had the underwater hearing development. It leads me to wonder if the cetacean line started because some Artiodactyla started hiding in water and it just super worked for them so they developed better hearing in the water. Any thoughts on that line?

[patrickroelant]

if someone told me about a walking whale i'd think of a hippo

[TheLunaLockhart]

I absolutely love when a presenter has a "this thing is really adorable and I want you to see it" voice when talking about little creatures etc lol. We just can't help it

[adlibby]

“... just dipping their toes in the water for the first time.” is such a cute sentiment. Made me smile.

[rafaelalodio]

Make a video about the other human species that coexisted with Homo sapiens thousands of years ago.