The largest and most intimidating shark to ever swim in the seas might have been bigger than we initially believed, according to new findings.
new study
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The study, released Sunday in “Palaeontologia Electronica,” indicates that the megalodon, which ruled the seas 3.5 million years ago, was over three times larger than a contemporary great white shark.
great white shark
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The giant shark featured in the 2018 science fiction horror movie “🦈”
The Meg
It was once thought to be around 50 to 65 feet long. However, a new study carried out by scientists from 28 different nations revealed that the megalodon might have grown up to an astonishing 80 feet, which is approximately equivalent to the length of two school buses.
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The research supports the idea that the megalodon wasn’t simply a larger variant of the contemporary great white shark, as earlier believed, stated Phillip Sternes, an instructor from SeaWorld San Diego and a participant in the investigation. Rather, this ancient creature might share more relatives with present-day species than we initially assumed.
It also illuminates the enigma surrounding how this fierce predator might have vanished millions of years ago – as well as the part played by the smaller species.
great white shark
played.
How big was Megalodon?
Scientists have extensively tried to ascertain the dimensions of the megalodon since no full fossils of this vanished creature have ever been discovered. Previous research has gauged the megalodon’s length and physique by drawing parallels with the great white shark, as they share certain similarities.
large, serrated teeth
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However, Sternes stated that those studies were based on assumptions regarding the similarities between
Only these two types of sharks
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The recent research examined megalodon remains alongside over 150 different types of sharks—both alive today and those from ancient times. The findings suggest that the megalodon might have possessed a sleeker, elongated form similar to that of present-day lemon sharks instead of great whites. According to this study, their length likely varied anywhere from approximately 54 feet up to about 80 feet.
Moreover, this extended size isn’t merely an intriguing detail about these daunting beings; it might also offer deeper insights into how megalodons navigated their aquatic environment.
Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiology professor at DePaul University in Chicago who headed the research, noted that the potential slender build of the megalodon matches what experts understand about large marine creatures; slimmer forms enable lengthy sea dwellers to move through water more effectively.
If the megalodon had a comparable form and dimensions to today’s great white shark, its sturdy build would “make it inefficient as a swimmer,” making it difficult to catch prey and survive, according to Shimada.
What caused the extinction of the megalodon?
Very little is understood regarding the reasons behind the extinction of megalodons approximately 3 million years ago. However, this research suggests that great white sharks might have played a role in their demise.
According to the fossil record and “suggested growth patterns,” the emergence of the great white shark, along with the competition it introduced, likely contributed to the decline of the megalodon, as stated in the study.
Researchers are still investigating the megalodon’s evolution, but Sternes told USA TODAY one possibility is that the predator’s large body might not have been as adaptable as smaller shark species, even if it could swim freely.
We have studied how the planet varies due to various environmental influences and how life reacts to these changes,” he stated. “Gaining insight into the past will help us understand both our current situation and what lies ahead for life on Earth.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY:
Biggest shark ever: Researchers solve enigma surrounding the megalodon
