Acrophyseter

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'''''Acrophyseter''''' is a [[genus]] of [[extinct]] [[sperm whale]] that lived in the [[Late Miocene]] off the coast of what is now Peru. The genus comprises two species: ''A. deinodon'' and ''A. robustus''. It is part of a group of [[macroraptorial sperm whale]]s that all share several features for hunting large prey, such as deeply rooted and thick teeth. ''Acrophyseter'' measured About {{convert|4|–|5|m}} in length, making it the smallest macroraptorial sperm whale currently known. Because of its short pointed snout and strongly curved front teeth, it probably fed on the marine vertebrates of its time, such as seals and other whales.

'''''Acrophyseter''''' is a [[genus]] of [[extinct]] [[sperm whale]] that lived in the [[Late Miocene]] off the coast of what is now Peru. The genus comprises two species: ''A. deinodon'' and ''A. robustus''. It is part of a group of [[macroraptorial sperm whale]]s that all share several features for hunting large prey, such as deeply rooted and thick teeth. ''Acrophyseter'' measured About {{convert|4|–|4.5|m}} in length, making it the smallest macroraptorial sperm whale currently known. Because of its short pointed snout and strongly curved front teeth, it probably fed on the marine vertebrates of its time, such as seals and other whales.

==History of discovery==

==History of discovery==

==Description==

==Description==

[[File:Acrophyseter JF.png|thumb|left|Restoration of ''A. robustus'']]

[[File:Acrophyseter JF.png|thumb|left|Restoration of ''A. robustus'']]

Body length estimates for ''Acrophyseter'' range between about {{convert|4|-|5|m}}. ''A. deinodon'' was estimated to be {{convert|4|–|4.3|m|ft}} using the distance between the cheekbones in comparison to the dimensions of the related ''[[Zygophyseter]]''. MUSM 2182, discovered in southern Italy, is estimated to be about {{convert|5|m|ft|sp=us}} long long. This makes it the smallest of the macroraptorial sperm whales. name=lamber2017/>[https://www.paleoitalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/07_Peri_et_al_2022_BSPI_612.pdf|Itary ''Acrophyseter'' sp.]</ref>

Body length estimates for ''Acrophyseter'' range between about {{convert|4|-|4.5|m}}. Unlike modern sperm whales, ''A. deinodon'' had teeth in both its upper and lower jaws. The teeth were robust and deeply set into the [[dental alveoli|roots]], particularly the front teeth, the tooth roots were comparatively thick when compared to the thin [[tooth crown]]. The front teeth were more conical than those further back in the mouth. The lower back teeth were tightly packed, and the space between the teeth increased from front to back, suggesting they were used in a shearing motion. This suggests a different feeding strategy from modern sperm whales, which all use suction-feeding due to a lack of teeth in the upper jaw. The front teeth were more [[attrition (dental)|worn]] on the sides, whereas the lower teeth were more worn along the middle. name="lambert" />

Unlike modern sperm whales, ''A. deinodon'' had teeth in both its upper and lower jaws. The teeth were robust and deeply set into the [[dental alveoli|roots]], particularly the front teeth, the tooth roots were comparatively thick when compared to the thin [[tooth crown]]. The front teeth were more conical than those further back in the mouth. The lower back teeth were tightly packed, and the space between the teeth increased from front to back, suggesting they were used in a shearing motion. This suggests a different feeding strategy from modern sperm whales, which all use suction-feeding due to a lack of teeth in the upper jaw. The front teeth were more [[attrition (dental)|worn]] on the sides, whereas the lower teeth were more worn along the middle.

''A. deinodon'' had 12 teeth in the upper jaw and 13 teeth in the lower jaw and possessed [[tooth enamel]] like other macroraptorial sperm whales. The [[premaxilla]]e bore three teeth, and the [[maxilla]]e had nine teeth. Unlike in other sperm whales, the top of the premaxillae near the [[vomer]] lacked a deep groove. The last lower teeth may have contacted the [[roof of the mouth]], and [[cementum]] was continually added to the teeth as they were growing, as in [[killer whale]]s (''Orcinus orca''). The tooth count of ''A. robustus'' is unknown, though it is thought to be similar to or the same as that of ''A. deinodon''. Discovered along the [[dental alveolus|tooth sockets]] were [[buccal exostoses]]: bony growths which may have developed during biting to strengthen the teeth, acting as buttresses. The back teeth had larger buccal exostoses as they experienced more pressure during biting.

''A. deinodon'' had 12 teeth in the upper jaw and 13 teeth in the lower jaw and possessed [[tooth enamel]] like other macroraptorial sperm whales. The [[premaxilla]]e bore three teeth, and the [[maxilla]]e had nine teeth. Unlike in other sperm whales, the top of the premaxillae near the [[vomer]] lacked a deep groove. The last lower teeth may have contacted the [[roof of the mouth]], and [[cementum]] was continually added to the teeth as they were growing, as in [[killer whale]]s (''Orcinus orca''). The tooth count of ''A. robustus'' is unknown, though it is thought to be similar to or the same as that of ''A. deinodon''. Discovered along the [[dental alveolus|tooth sockets]] were [[buccal exostoses]]: bony growths which may have developed during biting to strengthen the teeth, acting as buttresses. The back teeth had larger buccal exostoses as they experienced more pressure during biting.