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Amphicyonidae.png

Physeteridae

Sperm Whales

3

Number of resurrected species:

Family

Order

Class

Physeteridae

Artiodactyla

Mammalia

Africa & Antarctica.png
Middle Eocene - Middle Pliocene.png

Description

The family of Sperm Whales are a still extant family of large toothed whales of which the Sperm Whale is the only surviving member. Several extinct genuses are known since the end of the Oligocene. In general, they are characterized by their large size, large jaws with sharp teeth and a robust build. They are strictly carnivorous, feeding on many prey species like fish, squid and other marine mammals.

Distribution & Fossil evidence

The current distribution of the Sperm Whale is worldwide and fossils of its extinct relatives have been found all over the globe too. They flourished during the Miocene and were a common sight during that time. The first members of the family resembled a Killer Whale with a long snout.

Species

There are several genera and species known within the family of Physeteridae.

Included genera

Zygophyseter, Acrphyseter, Aulophyseter

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