The genetic relationship between whales and hippos has been a topic of debate among biologists for the past 200 years.
Through the analysis of distinctive features across various animal groups, recent studies by American and French scientists have revealed that the common ancestor of both whales and hippos, which lived partially in water and partially on land, split into two groups: marine mammals (including whales and dolphins) and aquatic mammals that resemble pigs. Following the rules of evolutionary adaptation, the first group eventually abandoned land, evolved their limbs into flippers, and fully adapted to life in water.
The latter group thrived for over 40 million years before going extinct approximately 2.5 million years ago. According to Dr. Jean-Renaud Boisserie from the French National Academy of Sciences, this second group represents the transitional species between hippos and whales, leaving behind a single descendant: the modern hippo.
Previously, many scientists believed that hippos were related to pigs due to similarities in their dental structure. However, genetic analyses have shown that hippos share more commonalities with marine mammals, and their evolutionary lineage indicates a closer relationship with whales.
NGUYEN SINH
