The AI Overview for ‘Triple Origin of Whales’

When you ask Google AI about ‘Triple Origin of Whales’ this is what you get:
“The phrase “triple origin of whales” refers to a fringe, non-standard phylogenetic hypothesis (proposed informally in paleontology blogs/outlines like Pterosaur Heresies) which suggests that the major groups of whales (Cetacea) did not evolve from a single common mammalian ancestor, but rather arose independently from three distinct semi-aquatic lineages.

That’s a good summary. Please remember: Every discovery = new hypothesis starts off in the cranium of one fringe scientist (two in the case of the Wright brothers).

Missing from this summary is the use of the scientific method = adding previously omitted taxa to phylogenetic analysis, the standard method for determining interrelationships in paleontology. Test competing analyses with similar taxonomy lists. Don’t omit pertinent taxa.

The Mainstream Consensus: Standard evolutionary biology and extensive genetic, anatomical, and fossil evidence prove that all modern cetaceans (toothed whales/Odontoceti and baleen whales/Mysticeti) form a single monophyletic group (Cetacea). They share a single common ancestor rooted among even-toed hoofed mammals (Artiodactyla, closely related to the lineage leading to hippos).

Prove? No. Standard evolutionary biology omits pertinent taxa. Add traditionally omitted taxa and then report back that whales had a single monophyletic group. AI should know better.

Extensive genetic evidence? No. Deep time genes can become corrupted. Hippo genes (Fig 3) match mysticete genes. That’s because hippos gave rise to desmostylians, which gave rise to rorquals and right whales.

Consensus? = group opinion. When that opinion was tested by adding previously omitted taxa the test disproved the consensus. The shame is on the scientists who chose to bury their head in the sand, (Gingerich, Thewiessen) rather than compete with a similar taxon list.

Figure 3. The origin of a robust tail in the ancestor of mysticetes (baleen whales). ” data-image-caption=”

Figure 3. The origin of a robust tail in the ancestor of mysticetes (baleen whales).

” data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg?w=584″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg?w=584″ alt=”Figure 3. The origin of a robust tail in the ancestor of mysticetes (baleen whales).” class=”wp-image-80207″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg?w=584 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg?w=126 126w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg?w=252 252w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mysticete_tail_evolution588.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />

The “Triple Origin” Hypothesis: This alternative, unaccepted model speculates that archaeocetes/toothed whales and different families of baleen whales (like right whales versus other mysticetes) emerged separately from different four-limbed, semi-aquatic ancestors (such as carnivorous tenrec-like kin or herbivorous anthracobunids/desmostylians).

Unaccepted = untested. Remember how long it took paleontologists to approve the ‘birds are dinosaurs’ hypothesis? Paleontologists who do not test competing hypotheses actually have the bad reputation at present. They are not acting like the scientists they claim to be. Instead, they are letting amateurs do the work they are paid to do.

Mainstream paleontology maps the single transition of early whale ancestors (Archaeocetes) from land to sea across distinct steps: [1, 2]

1. Pakicetus (50 million years ago): A wolf-sized, land-dwelling, hooved mammal found in Pakistan, identified as an early cetacean via unique inner ear bones (auditory bulla). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
2. Ambulocetus (48 million years ago): An amphibious, walking-whale that swam with an up-and-down spinal motion in coastal waters. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
3. Basilosaurus (40 million years ago): A fully aquatic, serpentine apex ocean predator that could no longer venture onto land. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
4. Modern Splitting (34 million years ago): The divergence into modern sub-orders—Odontoceti (toothed whales using echolocation) and Mysticeti (baleen filter-feeders)—occurred from this single unified marine lineage.

The question is: can AI say the same thing AFTER adding previously omitted taxa?
I’d like to see that! We want, we demand an even playing field. Take off the blinders!

For a detailed breakdown of mainstream scientific data on cetacean evolution, read the overview provided by Evolution at Berkeley. [Fig 3. Reviewed and updated, June 2020.

References
researchgate.net/publication/328388746_The_triple_origin_of_whales

Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2026/08/16/the-ai-overview-for-triple-origin-of-whales/