The megalodons, a giant species of sharks, were at the top of the food chain for many years. Then the great white sharks came. According to research by Jeremy McCormack, both shark teeth hinted that they hunted the same prey. This competition for the same food may have led the megalodons to extinction.
The giant megalodons started wandering the oceans around 23 million years ago. However, when and why the megalodons went extinct is unclear. The species died about 2.6 million years ago, or as early as 3.5 million years ago, when the great white sharks emerged.
The researchers examined both animals’ teeth, looking for the two primary forms of zinc, zinc-66 or zinc-64. Instead, they discovered that their teeth contained similar zinc contents, suggesting that their diets also overlapped.
Lastly, this doesn’t prove that the sharks fought over food. Instead, the researchers say, “There are many possible reasons why megalodons went extinct.” For example, their food was limited due to a significant drop in the marine animals’ population or ocean changes.
The giant megalodons started wandering the oceans around 23 million years ago. However, when and why the megalodons went extinct is unclear. The species died about 2.6 million years ago, or as early as 3.5 million years ago, when the great white sharks emerged.
The researchers examined both animals’ teeth, looking for the two primary forms of zinc, zinc-66 or zinc-64. Instead, they discovered that their teeth contained similar zinc contents, suggesting that their diets also overlapped.
Lastly, this doesn’t prove that the sharks fought over food. Instead, the researchers say, “There are many possible reasons why megalodons went extinct.” For example, their food was limited due to a significant drop in the marine animals’ population or ocean changes.
