Scientists measure monster shark
New calculations indicate the probable appearance of this huge prehistoric megalodon shark. The hunter-scavenger seems equally suited to sudden attacks or long-distance cruising.
For the first time, scientists have calculated the proportions of the largest shark that ever lived. Teeth from megalodon have been found throughout the world as the shark ruled the oceans for 20 million years before becoming extinct three million years ago. But its appearance has remained uncertain because shark skeletons consist of cartilage that quickly deteriorates, leaving scientists only the teeth. Comparisons with teeth from the biggest modern shark, the white shark, indicate that the prehistoric shark would have been 12 to 20 metres long, and it has previously been portrayed as a big version of the white shark. But scientists from the UK’s University of Bristol now have a more detailed picture.
They measured the different body parts of five modern shark species, based on which they calculated the probable anatomy of a 16-metre megalodon (twice the length of a big white shark). The results indicate a prehistoric shark with a head 4.65 metres long, a dorsal fin standing 1.62 metres tall, and a tail 3.85 metres long.
The shark’s height from the top of the dorsal fin to the belly was 4.53 metres.
The scientists assumed a narrow, arched dorsal fin, like that on other big sharks. On the other hand, the head was wide to allow space for powerful jaw muscles. According to the scientists, the shark’s body made it well suited for surprise attacks requiring rapid acceleration, but also for long-distance swimming at a modest pace. This would have allowed it to sweep large areas and supplement its diet with carcasses found on the ocean floor.