THE MEGALODON- Smithsonian National Musuem of Natural History
The article discusses Carcharocles megalodon, an ancient shark that lived from roughly 23 to 3.6 million years ago and was the largest shark ever known, reaching up to three times the size of a modern great white shark. Megalodon had a powerful bite with teeth as large as an adult human's hand, capable of feeding on large whales and other marine animals. Its anatomy, including a cartilaginous skeleton and rows of constantly replaced teeth, contributed to its formidable hunting abilities.
The megalodon's evolution traces back to the Cretaceous Period, belonging to the lamnoid shark lineage and being closely related to mako sharks rather than great whites. It inhabited oceans worldwide except near the poles, preferring coastal areas but venturing into open waters. As a top predator, it consumed a variety of prey such as whales, seals, sea cows, and sea turtles, evidenced by fossilized remains and bite marks on whale bones. Megalodon reproduction likely occurred in nursery habitats like protected bays.
The extinction of megalodon around 2.6 million years ago is attributed to changes in ocean temperature and ecosystem dynamics. Declining populations of its preferred prey, small whales, due to climate shifts likely contributed to its demise. The closure of the Central American Seaway during the Pliocene also played a role, altering oceanic conditions and food availability in ways that may have impacted the shark's ability to sustain its massive size.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the megalodon's anatomy, behavior, ecological role, and eventual extinction, offering insights into one of the ocean's most iconic ancient predators.
