Brygmophyseter
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| Brygmophyseter Fossil range: Miocene |
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†B. shigensis |
Brygmophyseter shigensis (also known as Scadicetus shigensis in Japan) is an extinct genus of sperm whale which lived during the Miocene period, approximately 15 million years ago.[1]
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[edit] Known physiology
The remains of this ancient sperm whale were excavated in Japan by two paleontologists, Hirota and Barnes in 1992, including a 140 cm long skull.[1] Unlike the modern sperm whale (Physeter catodon) which has teeth on its lower jaw only, Brygmophyseter had teeth on its both upper and lower jaw which are the same size as those of a Tyrannosaurus. For this reason, this ancient whale is often termed as the "Biting Sperm Whale."
[edit] Size estimation
The specimen of this ancient whale excavated from Japan is about 7 meters (23 feet) long.[2] However, paleontologists estimate that Brygmophyseter could grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long.[3]
[edit] In popular culture
Brygmophyseter is featured in an episode of Jurassic Fight Club - as an adversary of an another apex predator of its time, Megalodon.
[edit] Related species
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Shigamakkoukujira (Scadicetus shigensis), http://translate.google.com.pk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/NATURAL/exhibitions/special_ex/2007kaseki/hyouhon.htm&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=7&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBrygmophyseter%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
- ^ Brygmophyseter Shignesis in Shiga Fossil Museum, Japan, http://translate.google.com.pk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/buka/soumubu/siga/siga/kasekikan/index.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=4&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBrygmophyseter%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
- ^ Blasing, George. (2008). Jurassic Fight Club. [TV-Series]. History Channel.
[edit] External links
- Brygmophyseter Skeleton on display in a Japanese Museum
- Brygmophyseter - Ancient Whale: History.com
- Killer sperm whales
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