Cetartiodactyla

Cetartiodactyla is a proposed taxonomical superorder which includes whales (and dolphins) and even-toed ungulates.  The name was created by merging the name for the two orders, Cetacea and Artiodactyla, into a single word. 

Cetartiodactyla is used because it is thought that whales evolved from the artiodactyls.  Because of this, their closest living land relative may be the hippopotamus. 

Category:Mammals