NOVA

When Whales Could Walk

A spectacular fossil graveyard reveals a 43-million-year-old whale that had four legs and could walk. Follow scientists as they search for new clues to how mammals moved from land into the sea to become the largest animals on Earth.

When Whales Could Walk

53m 31s

A spectacular fossil graveyard reveals a 43-million-year-old whale that had four legs and could walk. Follow scientists as they search for new clues to how mammals moved from land into the sea to become the largest animals on Earth.

Previews + Extras

  • When Whales Could Walk Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    When Whales Could Walk Preview

    S51 E1 - 30s

    A spectacular fossil graveyard reveals a 43-million-year-old whale that had four legs and could walk. Follow scientists as they search for new clues to how mammals moved from land into the sea to become the largest animals on Earth.

  • The whale that could walk: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The whale that could walk

    S51 E1 - 2m 48s

    A small furry carnivore that lived both on land and sea is the ancestor of modern whales.

  • Ancient whale fossils found in the desert: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Ancient whale fossils found in the desert

    S51 E1 - 2m 10s

    This part of the Sahara Desert is the resting place of some of the earliest whales ever found. These fossils may hold the key to how whales evolved.

  • How Did Whales Evolve From Land Mammals?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Did Whales Evolve From Land Mammals?

    S51 E1 - 3m 8s

    The oceans are thought to be where life started but about 50-million years ago, something incredible happened: some mammals found their way back into the water.

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