Zygorhiza kochii ("Koch's Yoke-Root") is an extinct species of cetacean. Zygorhiza was related to the famous Basilosaurus, but was smaller and less elongated. It was about 6 m (20 ft) long. Zygorhiza had flippers which could, unlike in modern cetaceans, be moved at the elbow. Its hind limbs were rudimentary. Zygorhiza's one-metre (3-foot) skull had fearsome jaws with deadly teeth. Unlike modern cetaceans, Zygorhiza had a neck consisting of seven vertebrae.

State Symbol

Zygorhiza kochii is the state fossil of Mississippi. The mounted specimen in the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson is commonly referred to as "Ziggy".

See also

• Dorudon
• Basilosaurus