squalodontid

Squalodontidae is an extinct family of toothed whales belonging to the order Odontoceti. These primitive whales lived from the Oligocene to the Miocene epochs. The name "squalodontid" refers to their shark-like teeth, which were conical and serrated. This dentition suggests a diet of fish and squid. Squalodontids are characterized by their relatively long snouts and well-developed teeth in both their upper and lower jaws.

Fossil evidence indicates that squalodontids were widespread, with remains found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia. Their skeletal features show a mix of primitive and more derived traits, placing them as an important transitional group in whale evolution. Some researchers consider them to be among the earliest true toothed whales, bridging the gap between archaic cetaceans and modern odontocetes.

Key genera within Squalodontidae include Squalodon, which is the type genus, and Patriocetus. The morphology of these early whales provides insights into the diversification of cetaceans and their adaptation to aquatic environments. The extinction of squalodontids is thought to be related to competition with more specialized and successful toothed whale lineages that emerged during the Miocene.