Tuesday 9 October 2012


The megalodon shark (Carcharodon megalodon) was a massive being that would put modern day sea predators to shame. If you are currently afraid of the great white shark, then I'm sure you're happy that you don't have to worry about the megalodon creeping up under your sailboat. This colossal being was not one to mess with, and although the megalodon is now extinct, its memory most definitely deserves to be respected and well known.
How scientists know about this giant prehistoric beast
Megalodon Shark Tooth
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.
Widely accepted facts
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 21m) long! They are also known as the "megatooth" shark and was the largest carnivorous fish that has ever existed on Mother Earth.
Megalodon Shark Size
Scientists have studied megalodon teeth that were found in Africa, North America, South America, India, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Based on the locations that these teeth were unearthed, it is the firm belief that they thrived in the world's warmer waters. As mentioned earlier, scientists are still trying to uncover particulars of this prehistoric shark, including their diet. Since the great white shark is a descendant of the "megatooth" shark, most believe that the diet of the great white shark reflected that of the megalodon. However, based on the serration marks found on the "mega" teeth of the ancient shark, it is believed that they also fed upon whales.
A possible reason for extinction
Frozen Ocean
Yes, the megalodon shark is extinct. Unfortunately, due to the fact that not much information has been determined regarding these incredible beings, the absolute reason of why they all died off is unknown. There are a few theories that would explain the extinction of these animals, however. Two of the main speculations actually coincide with the belief that these sharks swam in warm waters. During the time when these sharks were still living, the temperature of the oceans began to decrease. The oceans' steadily increasing colder temperatures may very well be what killed off the megalodon shark. Another plausible belief is that the ancient shark's preferred prey began to migrate to colder waters. These low temperature waters were probably too cold for the megalodon to survive.
Is the Megalodon Shark still alive?
Interestingly enough, there are many who refuse to believe that the megalodon shark is indeed extinct. Skeptics feel as if the megalodon shark may possibly be in existence deep down in the ocean. While it is true that we have not explored every inch of the world's oceans, and it is likely that there are undiscovered species living in the depths of the waters, the belief that the megalodon shark may still be alive today has yet to be proven. Sharks are known for shedding hundreds of teeth on a regular basis; if the megalodon shark was still alive, they would be expected to shed the most teeth out of all of these sharks. Every megalodon tooth that has been found is ancient. Until a fresh megalodon tooth, a "megatooth" shark sighting, or some other form of proof has been presented, it is determined that this ancient shark is most definitely extinct.In the year 1918 I recorded the sensation that had been caused among the "outside" crayfish men at Port Stephens, when, for several days, they refused to go to sea to their regular fishing grounds in the vicinity of Broughton Island. The men had been at work on the fishing grounds — which lie in deep water — when an immense shark of almost unbelievable proportions put in an appearance, lifting pot after pot containing many crayfishes, and taking, as the men said, "pots, mooring lines and all". These crayfish pots, it should be mentioned, were about 3 feet 6 inches [1.06 m] in diameter and frequently contained from two to three dozen good-sized crayfish each weighing several pounds.

The men were all unanimous that this shark was something the like of which they had never dreamed of. In company with the local Fisheries Inspector I questioned many of the men very closely and they all agreed as to the gigantic stature of the beast. But the lengths they gave were, on the whole, absurd. I mention them, however, as an indication of the state of mind which this unusual giant had thrown them into. And bear in mind that these were men who were used to the sea and all sorts of weather, and all sorts of sharks as well.
One of the crew said the shark was "three hundred feet [90 m] long at least"! Others said it was as long as the wharf on which we stood – about 115 feet [35 m]! They affirmed that the water "boiled" over a large space when the fish swam past. They were all familiar with whales, which they had often seen passing at sea, but this was a vast shark. They had seen its terrible head which was "at least as long as the roof on the wharf shed at Nelson Bay."
Impossible, of course! But these were prosaic and rather stolid men, not given to 'fish stories' nor even to talking about their catches. Further, they knew that the person they were talking to (myself) had heard all the fish stories years before! One of the things that impressed me was that they all agreed as to the ghostly whitish colour of the vast fish. The local Fisheries Inspector of the time, Mr Paton, agreed with me that it must have been something really gigantic to put these experienced men into such a state of fear and panic. 
A man giving relative size comparison to Carcharodon Megalodon in museum. Imagine a small train...with teeth.
There is a theory that the adult Carcharodon megalodon fed largely on whales and went extinct as the polar seas became too cold for sharks, allowing whales to swim out of reach of sharks during summer. Other explanations are simpler, suggesting that any prolonged disturbance of the foodchain would wipe out a predator with such massive metabolic requirements. Some cryptozoologists suggest the shark might have died out more recently, or might even still be alive.
The fossil teeth of the animal are often found in areas that had shallow seas, such as near Bakersfield in California. Megalodon was probably a specialist that fed mostly on baleen whales in shallow waters. A main prey item was Cetotherium (a type of shallow water prehistoric whale). Since the time of its extinction there have been few such shallows supporting constant, large whale populations, and the loss of such habitats caused the animal to gradually go extinct, as the species could no longer find enough food to sustain itself. The process would have been gradual, leading to fewer megalodons, more genetic drift and isolated megalodon populations.

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