Physeterula

Physeterula
Temporal range: Miocene-Pliocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Infraorder:Cetacea
Family:Physeteridae
Subfamily:Physeterinae
Genus:Physeterula
Van Beneden, 1877
Species

P. dubusi

Physeterula was a prehistoric close relative of the sperm whale from the Miocene. Its fossils have been found in Europe and the United States.[1]

This large species is the most stemward physeterid, retaining functional upper teeth lacking enamel.[2]

References

  1. http://paleodb.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?a=basicTaxonInfo&taxon_no=36808
  2. "Sperm whales from the Miocene of the North Sea: a re-appraisal" - Author: Lambert Olivier


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