A new study has provided fresh insights into the biology of the prehistoric megalodon shark. The most profound study so far shows that the great predator had a more slender body than previously thought and was closer in shape to the lemon shark or even a large whale.
Diagram showing Megalodon compared with other sharks (Kenshu Shimada et al./ CC BY 4.0)
Megalodon, the largest great predatory shark to have ever lived, dominated the oceans millions of years ago during the Neogene period. Despite its fame, much about its appearance and biology remains a mystery since its skeletons, made mostly of cartilage, are rarely fossilised. However, this new research offers valuable clues.
Body shape
The study analysed the great shark's fossilised vertebrae, along with data from 165 modern and extinct shark species, to learn that the ancient shark could have reached an astonishing length of 24.3 metres (nearly 80 feet) and weighed around 94 tons. Instead of the stocky, muscular build of today's great white shark, the megalodon seems to have had a more streamlined shape. Scientists believe that a bulkier body like the great white’s would have been inefficient for swimming since it would have created too much drag.
Their study estimates that the megalodon had a cruising speed of 2.1 to 3.5 kilometres per hour (about 1.3 to 2.2 mph), helping it cover vast distances in search of food.
Reproduction
The study also examined the megalodon's early development. Fossil evidence suggests that newborn megalodons were already enormous, measuring between 3.6 and 3.9 metres (12-13 feet) long. This supports the idea that they were ovoviviparous—developing inside eggs within the mother’s body before being born alive. They likely engaged in intrauterine oophagy, a behaviour seen in some modern sharks where embryos consume unfertilised eggs for nourishment.
Megalodon's extinction
The megalodon ruled the seas for millions of years, but its reign ended around 3.6 million years ago. Scientists suggest that competition from the great white shark, which emerged during the Early Pliocene, may have played a role in its extinction. As both species likely hunted similar prey, the more adaptable great white may have outcompeted the megalodon.
Though many aspects of the megalodon’s biology remain unknown, studies like this bring us closer to understanding the life of this legendary giant. Future research will continue to refine our knowledge of one of history’s most formidable marine predators.
