Akuteli

Akuteli is a genus of extinct oceanic mammals that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. The name "Akuteli" is derived from the Greek word "akuto" meaning sharp, in reference to the distinctive shape of the teeth of this genus.

Fossil evidence suggests that Akuteli belonged to a group of aquatic mammals known as Pakicetiden. These early cetaceans are thought to be the ancestors of modern whales and dolphins. The genus Akuteli consists of a single known species, Akuteli sachalina. Fossil remains of this species have been discovered in Russia, specifically on the island of Sakhalin.

As a member of the Pakicetiden, Akuteli shared certain physical characteristics with its relatives. Its teeth were differentiated into sharp, conical characteristics, similar to modern cetaceans. Other distinct features included the double-rooted teeth, a nasal bone formation resembling the modern cetaceans, and the curvature of the skull towards the nasal bone. Studies suggest that Akuteli made a significant shift in its feeding behavior, transitioning from terrestrial to fully aquatic.

Akuteli remains an important discovery in understanding the evolution of early cetaceans and the transition to a fully aquatic lifestyle. However, the scarcity of fossil evidence and limited species diversity of the genus have resulted in notable gaps in scientific knowledge.

Research into cyclic changes of subsistence, changes in the fossil composition of particular age groups, and studying how the status of marine faunas from Cretaceous epochs changes during Akuteli have been the focus of more in-depth studies.