Basilosaurus was a prehistoric whale that lived during the Eocene epoch. It had a long, serpentine body up to 18 meters in length, small flippers, and vestigial hind limbs, indicating its evolutionary transition from land to sea. It was a top predator in ancient marine ecosystems.

Basilosaurus, an extinct genus of early whales, lived during the late Eocene epoch approximately 40 to 34 million years ago. Fossil evidence indicates that it was primarily found in regions that are now part of North America (particularly the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana) and northern Africa (notably Egypt and Jordan).

Basilosaurus inhabited warm, shallow seas that were prevalent during the late Eocene epoch. These marine environments were characterized by tropical to subtropical climates, with warm water temperatures that supported a rich diversity of marine life.

As an apex predator, Basilosaurus occupied a top position in the marine food chain. It fed on a variety of marine organisms, including fish and smaller marine mammals. Its elongated body and adaptations for swimming suggest it was a proficient hunter in the open ocean, navigating through shallow coastal waters and possibly deeper waters for prey.