Physeterula

Physeterula
Temporal range: Miocene-Pliocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Suborder: Odontoceti
Family: Physeteridae
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(s) LAMBERT Olivier
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