Physeterula

Physeterula
Temporal range: Miocene
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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. ^ "Fossilworks: Physeterula".
  2. ^ Lambert, Olivier (January 2008). "Sperm whales from the Miocene of the North Sea: A re-appraisal". Bulletin de l'Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Sciences de la Terre. 78: 277–316.


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