Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 134, February 2016, pp. 1-44. | Page 4

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Studying a Basilosaurus isis Whale Fossil (Lower Jaw, Ribs and Vertebrae) at Wadi ElHitan (Whales Valley), Al-Fayyum, Al-Sahraa Al-Gharbiah (Western Desert), Egypt.
Photo: Ola Mostafa Khalaf. 11.07.2012.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/15283569338/

Fossils
Fossils are present in high numbers and often show excellent quality of
preservation. The most conspicuous fossils are the skeletons and bones of whales
and sea cows, and over several hundred fossils of these have been documented.
The fossils of whales vary from single bones to entire skeletons, and a number of
partial skeletons are currently on display in the public part of the park. The two
common whales are the large Basilosaurus, and the smaller (3 to 5 metre)
Dorudon. At least two other species are known from rarer remains. The whales
possess small hind limbs that are not seen in modern whales, and a powerful
skull with teeth similar to those of carnivorous land mammals. Other mammals
are represented by the skeletons of three species of sirenia or sea cows. These
were fully marine animals like the whales, and likewise show primitive features
not seen in modern species and possess teeth that suggest that they grazed on
seagrasses and other marine plants. Bones of the primitive elephant Moeritherium
have also been recorded. Fossil reptiles are represented by fossils of crocodiles
Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 134 – February 2016