Megalodon; meaning “big tooth” is an
extinct species of shark that lived approximately 15 to 2 million years
ago during the Cenozoic era.
From 70 million to 10 million years
ago, the wonder known as the megalodon shark ruled the warm waters of Earth.
Based on what researchers have discovered, the megalodon had many physical and
behavioral similarities to the great white shark; however, one of the main
differences between the two was that the megalodon was substantially more
menacing and intimidating.
The average great white can be anywhere
from 15 to over 20 feet (4 to over 6 m) long. Yes these lengths are pretty
impressive, but it does not even compare to the megalodon shark. The exact
lengths of these ancient sharks are still in discussion, however, we do know
that the megalodon was approximately 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 m) long! They are
also known as the “megatooth” shark and was the largest carnivorous fish that
has ever existed on Mother Earth.
How scientists know about this giant
prehistoric beast?
Just like the sharks of today, these
sharks were comprised mainly of cartilage. So even though these sharks were
immense, the majority of their bodies were not fossilized; cartilage usually
disintegrates too fast for the fossilization process to occur. Therefore, there
are still many factors of the megalodon that we are unsure of. Luckily, some
teeth have been found and investigated. Because of this, paleontologists have
managed to uncover quite a few facts about these amazing creatures, and
although many specifics are still being debated, there are a few things that
most are definitely in agreement on.
Megalodon was huge, relentless, and the
apex predator of the Pliocene and Miocene epochs. What went wrong? Well,
this giant shark may have been doomed by global cooling (which culminated in
the last Ice Age), or by the gradual disappearance of the giant whales that
constituted the bulk of its diet. (By the way, some people believe Megalodons
still lurk in the ocean's depths, as detailed in the Discovery Channel show,
but there's absolutely no reputable evidence to support this.).