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.).