What is the megalodon?
The megalodon was one of the largest carnivorous sharks in history, living in the seas from about 23 million to about 3.6 million years ago. The largest fossil teeth found exceed 15 cm in length, and it is estimated to have reached 15 m or more in total length. It is thought to have attacked and eaten large marine animals such as whales.
Megalodon survival theories
The theory that “the megalodon may still survive in the deep sea” remains popular as a cryptid topic. Megalodon teeth collected from the sea floor during 19th-century ocean surveys, once thought to be relatively recent, and sightings of giant sharks have been cited as evidence. In 2018, a film about a battle between a giant shark and humans was also released.
Is the megalodon alive?
Current research holds that the dating of the supposedly young teeth was wrong and that the megalodon went extinct millions of years ago. If such a giant shark were alive, it would leave large bite marks on whales or get caught in fishing nets, but no such evidence has been found. A decline in prey due to cooling seas and competition with the great white shark are thought to have caused its extinction.
