''Physeterula'' was a prehistoric close relative of the

sperm whale The sperm whale or cachalot (''Physeter macrocephalus'') is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of the Genus (biology), genus ''Physeter'' and one of three extant species in the s ...

from the Miocene. Its fossils have been found in

Europe Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...

and the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

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

References

Prehistoric toothed whales Miocene cetaceans Sperm whales Prehistoric cetacean genera Fossil taxa described in 1877 Extinct mammals of Europe {{paleo-whale-stub