New Delhi: Its name is Otodus Megalodon, but we know it as Megalodon. This extinct species of giant mackerel shark existed on this planet around 23 to 3.6 million years ago. Earlier thought to be a close relative of the great white shark, Megalodon would strike fear in the heart of any creature on this planet. Why? Read on to find out more about this interesting creature.
Megalodon: One of the largest predators in history
The Megalodon was one of the most powerful predators in the history of this planet and also one of the largest. Its maximum size is uncertain along with whether it was like the great white shark, sand tiger shark, and basking shark. It has been estimated that the predator could grow up to 67 ft, although the modal lengths are estimated at 34 ft. It had robust and thick teeth and was adept at grabbing and breaking the bones of its prey. Megalodon had a powerful, large jaw whose bite force could go up to 108,500 to 182,200 newtons.
It had a massive impact on the marine communities’ structure and its fossil shows that Megalodon’s distribution was cosmopolitan. It probably targeted large prey like seals, whales, and sea turtles. Those who were juveniles lived in warm coastal waters and hunted small whales and fish. While the great white attacks prey from the soft underside, the megalodon broke the chest cavity and punctured its prey’s lungs and heart with its strong jaws.
Its major competition was the cetaceans that used to feed on whales like Livyatan. Also, other macroraptorial sperm whales and smaller killer whales were its competition. Since it liked to live in warmer waters, scientific studies have estimated that oceanic cooling due to the beginning of the ice ages, the reduced level of sea levels water and the loss of suitable nursery areas played crucial roles in its decline. Also, it is estimated that the diversity of baleen whales decreased and their distribution shifted toward polar regions which reduced the primary food source of Megalodon. Notably, the extinction of Megalodon coincides with the baleen whale’s gigantism trend.
