What do we know about Megalodon, the prehistoric shark?

Answered on : 2024-01-23

Answer

Improve the Answer

1. **Megalodon Size and Appearance**: Megalodon was an enormous mackerel shark, estimated to have reached lengths of 15-18 metres, with some scientific estimates suggesting maximum sizes of 60-70 feet and weights of 50-70 tons [BRITANNICA]. Recent studies suggest that the traditional depiction of megalodon as a super-sized great white shark might be inaccurate, proposing instead that it had a slimmer build [THE GUARDIAN].

2. **Existence Period**: This species existed approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago, from the Early Miocene to the Pliocene epochs [WIKIPEDIA].

3. **Extinction**: Megalodon went extinct around 2.6 million years ago. Theories for its extinction include climate change leading to colder oceans and a decline in prey species [LIVE SCIENCE].

4. **Diet and Hunting**: It is believed that megalodon was a top predator, feeding on large prehistoric whales. Its hunting strategy and diet would have been influenced by its size and the available prey at the time [NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM].

5. **Fossil Discoveries**: Fossil evidence of megalodon includes hundreds of teeth, a few vertebral columns, and some fossilised fecal matter. These remains have been found in many parts of the world, indicating a widespread distribution [BRITANNICA].

6. **Cultural Impact**: Despite its extinction, megalodon has captured public imagination and is a popular subject in media and literature, often being featured in documentaries, books, and films.