Whenever we think of sharks, the first thing that comes to our mind would most likely be the great white shark.
But the size of a great white shark is pale in comparison with the Megalodon. The Megalodon is known to be the biggest prehistoric shark to ever exist on earth. You might also want to read weird articles like Jimmy John Shark for it may interest you.
This Apex predator has long been extinct. But many still believe there are still some lurking deep below the deep oceans. It wasn’t just the longest prehistoric shark to ever exist but also the biggest marine predator to ever exist in the world.
There is still a lot unknown about the Megalodon, but here are 5 facts that you need to know about the Megalodon:
1. The Megalodon’s Bite Is The Most Powerful
A research was done by the U.S and Australia in 2008. The research used computer simulations to calculate Megalodon’s biting power. And the results were terrifying. A modern Great White Shark clamps its jaws shut with about 1.8 tons of force per square inch, whereas the Megalodon clamped with a force of between 10.8 and 18.2 tons!
2. The Megalodon Went Extinct 2.6 Million Years Ago
That’s right! The megalodon went extinct about 2.6 million years ago. They lived in our oceans about 20 millions ago. It’s hard to believe that there are still countless people out there who believe that the Megalodon still lurks below the deep oceans. But despite all the rumors and speculation, scientists are sure that they have become extinct.
3. Its Teeth Are Over 7 Inches Long
The word “Megalodon” itself is defined as “large tooth”. The teeth of this apex predator were heart-shaped and can grow up to 18 centimeters long. The biggest teeth of the great white shark were recorded to be only three inches long. The only time you would find tooth as big as the Megalodon would be from nonother than the Tyrannosaurus Rex which existed about 65 million years ago.
4. No One Knows Why The Megalodon Went Extinct
For an apex predator so big and almighty to go extinct, what could be the reason? It’s thought that the extinction of Megalodon was contributed by global cooling. Some other theories believe that they went extinct due to the gradual disappearance of their main food source- whales. But it’s still not 100% confirmed till this very day on why they went extinct.
5. Megalodon Feeds On Whales
This doesn’t come as surprise, considering how big and ferocious the Megalodon was. The Apex predator would feast on prehistoric whales as one of its main food sources. Some of its other marine animals that are on its menu include dolphins, squid, fish, and even giant turtles. It might also be possible that the Megalodon might have crossed paths with the Leviathan, a prehistoric whale.
Let us know which fact you found most shocking about the Magalodon in the comments below!
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