Megalodon: The mysterious giant of prehistoric sharks reveals new facts

Megalodon: The mysterious giant of prehistoric sharks reveals new facts

A new research report has revealed fascinating findings about the legendary megalodon (Otodus megalodon), which roamed the world's oceans between 15 and 3.6 million years ago. The megalodon was a massive predatory fish estimated to be up to 24.3 meters long, roughly the same as modern whale sharks. According to research results published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, this prehistoric shark weighed around 94 tons, making it a real heavyweight of the seas, reported Small newspaper.

The study, led by Professor Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University, also sheds new light on the megalodon's appearance. Contrary to the previous belief that it looked like an enlarged version of the modern great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), the new results show that it more closely resembled a slender lemon shark. This body shape may have allowed the megalodon to glide efficiently through the water without expending excessive energy. Like from Phys.org Reported, the researchers drew parallels between the megalodon's spine and 145 modern and extinct shark species to better understand its physical proportions.

Impressive customizations

The megalodon demonstrated a unique ability to adapt, allowing it to survive at its massive size. It was assumed that he was already able to hunt large prey at birth, which was approximately three and a half to four meters long. The study also suggests that the megalodon's growth pattern revealed an important aspect of its reproduction: Fujiko and other information suggests that the embryos may have fed themselves through a trait called "egg-eating," a remarkable strategy for such a large animal.

Although much of the data obtained is still preliminary, this research makes clear that the idea that the megalodon is simply an enlarged version of the modern great white shark is untenable. Future discoveries of complete skeletons will be crucial to confirm these hypotheses. The findings also open up new perspectives to better understand phenomenal growth and habitats in the evolution of aquatic vertebrates.