For every fossil found, a thousand may be missing to give us a complete picture of life on Earth.  But Darwin's basic concept of natural selection is confirmed almost daily by paleontologists, as more and more so-called missing links are found.  Recent work by paleontologists Philip Gingerich has provided substantial evidence for the amazing scenario of whale evolution  from an antelope-like land creature to the sea creatures we know today.



A complete skeleton of Dorudon atrox excavated in Wadi Hitan, Egypt. Note the retention of vestigial
characteristics -- hind limbs, feet, and toes (red circle).


A paleontologist carefully excavating and extinct transitional whale, Basilosaurus isis, Wadi Hitan, Egypt.



An artist conception of another transitional creature:
Rodhocetus balochistanensis


For more details on these pictures and the work of Philip Gingerich, an expert on whale evolution, see Gingerich's Web Page