Question: Is Megalodon bigger than a blue whale? Some of these whale skeletons include fossil shark teeth in them, which likely broke off during a predator-prey battle a few million years back. View our online Press Pack. Another image is said to show a giant shark which has apparently been captured on Google Earth. No large fish has even been found at these extreme depths. So now that we can come to the conclusion that the megalodon extinction was an event from long ago, the new question becomes. It would be cool. I still think that it's maybe be true. It's definitely not alive in the deep oceans, despite what the Discovery Channel has said in the past," notes Emma. Another reason megalodon fossils don't contain skeletons is that shark skeletons are made of cartilage, which is the same material found in our ears and nose. Researchers are aware of some interesting Mariana trench animals, but the megalodon is not one of them. Its appearance and the maximum size are debatable, and the assumptions we have today are based on the size of its teeth. I wouldn't be surprised if there are megs outs there. That sounds like plenty of parking space for a megalodon or two. At its deepest, at a spot called Challenger Deep, the Marina Trench measures over 35,000 feet. When lifting the probe back up from the depths, it caught on an invisible object even though there was nothing between the ship and the sea floor. The cold temperatures of the Mariana Trench made it impossible for megalodons to live there. What If the Megalodon Shark Fought the Mosasaurus? The terrifying predator, believed to have died out around 3m years ago, was once THE true king of the prehistoric ocean. For other inquiries, Contact Us. For starters, if megalodon sharks still roamed our oceans, the last place they'd be going would be the Mariana Trench! So you can plan your trip to the Mariana Trench knowing you wouldnt be eaten by a gigantic shark. I don't think this shark is still out there because there is no real evidence that this big shark is still out there. The Mariana Trench. What if there is an unknown massive superpredator that evolved to live in deep waters that can support the population of Megalodons? A Sperm Whale would surely make a meal for a Megalodon. Thought to have died out 65m years ago, two species of the 350m-year-old fish were discovered living in deep sea canyons off the African coast. The coelecanth was supposed to have gone extinct millions of years ago, but they live still. Great White Sharks have been recorded diving as deep as 4,000 feet. If megalodon was running the risk of extinction and only a select population of them took to some location stable enough to survive it, is it not reasonable to assume that they simply eat their own dead and dying as a viable, sustainable food source? What do you say we try to survive on an Earth document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Making science accessible on social media since 2017. Science tells us that Megalodon sharks are extinct. The megalodon was one of the most powerful predators to have ever lived. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. The huge predator can be seen swimming over what seems to be an. What could this apex predator be hunting in the deep? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animalstart_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstart_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animalstart_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',118,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animalstart_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-118{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. And to navigate in total darkness, it would have to either become bioluminescent or grow massive eyes like the giant squid. And no photosynthesis means not much food. Both shark species coexisted during the Pliocene Epoch, about 2.6 to 5.3 million years ago, and may have hunted some of the same prey. There is an invisible force protecting us, keeping our atmosphere in place. Answer: Megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived, but it probably wasnt bigger than a blue whale. Extra gills to cope with the lack of oxygen. While certain details of the video are still unclear (such as the date it was made), the clip's descriptionmatches that of a shark filmed off the coast of Japan in 1989: In September 1989, a large female Pacific Sleeper estimated to be 23 feet (7 metres) long was filmed from the viewing ports of a submersible at a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 metres) off Saruga Bay, Japan. Even if it could survive those pressures, there wouldn't be anything for it to eat due to the animals down there being small. Our oceans are vast, and still unexplored territories. From there, its up to you to decide whether the megalodon is alive or went extinct millions of years ago. it is living in mariana trench cause they explored the mariana trench with a water craft and have left a big megalodon teeth at the water craft, i think its real and am going to fine one. Divisions in the Debate Over the Existence of a Megalodon in the Ocean Trench. To find anything close to a prey item for a 60-foot Megalodon we need to come up to around 8,000 feet, which is the deepest whales are known to dive. One possibility is that a small population of Megalodon Sharks had already evolved to live at those depths before the larger population of Megalodon went extinct. So it is a possibility but highly unlikely. But, if it did, it would live in the upper part of the water over the trench rather than in its depths. People and megalodon live in the same era. In fact, if it were still alive in the deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana trench, we would know about it at this point. For now, megalodon is considered to be extinct. I believe the stories of these fishermen are not fabricated and they are seeing a very, very large shark of some sort! It's estimated the megalodon'sjaw would span 2.7 by 3.4metreswide, easily big enough to swallow two adults side-by-side. Megalodon would probably be a slow and not very dangerous predator down there. Would you be able to survive in this new world? Therefore, when the environmental changes occurred that led to the extinction of the Megalodon Shark, the population that lived at great depths continued to thrive while the sharks who lived in shallower water died off. Experts believe that a third of the world's large marine creatures went extinct when the world's temperatures plummeted, including sea birds and turtles. What If Oxygen Doubled in Earths Atmosphere? Past research suggests that the megalodon (Otodus megalodon) went missing 2.6 million years ago alongside a wave of marine extinction, potentially caused by a supernovathat triggered severe climate and biodiversity changes during this time. After all, could the Megalodons have been the dolphins/apes of ancient times? To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Some believe its is proof megaladons are not exticnt while others say its bears a very strong resemblance to a sleeper shark. The Mariana Trench megalodon would most definitely need to stock up on some of those. Evidence suggests this is an incorrect reconstruction. So that's my point of view. The Megalodon (Otodus megalodon), is an extinct species of shark, arguably one of the largest, if not the largest marine predator that has ever lived. These massive sharks would be leaving telltale bite marks on large marine animals, of which no reports have been made. Stories of massive sharks have circulated in the region for decades, and some believe the Megalodon Shark still lurks in the depths. I would like to think that Megalodon is still out there somewhere in the depths of the ocean. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Then suddenly, without explanation, the 18-metre-long (50 foot) super predator disappeared. So, believers reason, if Megalodon still exists it must have evolved to live somewhere it is rarely seen. What If Megalodon Sharks Never Went Extinct? I hope they still live because it would be extraordinary to see or find one. With sharks constantly losing teeth to the murky depths, it is no wonder collectors are so easily able to find fossilized teeth on the ocean floor! Is it really possible a shark could live at those depths? US NOAA (Scot Anderson) [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons. I appreciate your thoughtful comments! The coelacanth fish is one such creature. Recent studies, however, have shown that the megalodon sharks went extinct way before the climate shift and the great white shark was the reason. Although this may sound outlandish, the discovery of "extinct" animals happens frequently enough that it has its own term. Suddenly, your sub experiences an earthquake. I don't rule out the possibility that Megalodon is still with us, but if the sightings of huge sharks are to be believed it's not beyond the realm of possibility that it is a species of shark thus far undescribed by science. Others cope by being very small and needing less food to survive. cryptid (author) from USA on November 12, 2015: Good points Levius. And do alleged Megalodon sightings suggest it could still exist way down there? I think that would be a wonderful site from land to see a Megalodon shark. However, because its cartilage is so soft compared to its teeth, there are only very rare circumstances in which we find well-preserved soft tissue. What people report seeing could be just a very large shark of another species. Unlike humans, who only produce teeth during the early stages of life, sharks continue to produce new sets throughout their entire lives, losing their teeth almost every two weeks . #shorts#YouTube shorts#trending#viral#short#megalodon shark#Mariana trench#megalodon#megalodon shark#is megalodon still alive#o megalodon#titanoboa vs megalo. The earliest version of this video we could uncover was posted to YouTube in 2008: That version of the video stated that the footage captured a 7-meter (22-foot) Pacific sleeper shark off the coast of Japan in the SurugaBay. However, the giant megalodon was still around three times longer compared to the world's largest great white sharks. cryptid (author) from USA on May 20, 2014: I agree that is true. cryptid: Good point. They were top-level predators thathunted and ate whales, using their hugeteeth and powerful jawsto devour their prey. I believe that it had innate intelligence to avoid man. About Ocean Info At Ocean Info, we dive deep into ocean-related topics such as sealife, exploration of the sea, rivers, areas of geographical importance, sailing, and more. 1.3M views 1 year ago #Megalodon #WhatIf #MarianaTrench There is no mistaking the 15 cm (6 in) teeth of the largest apex predator, the megalodon. Getting bitten by this beast would feel like. It's a juicy bit of ancient history that has inspired a host of books, documentaries and blockbuster films, some of which like to imagine that this bloody thirsty monster is still alive today, lurking somewhere out there in the mysterious deep. The hadal snailfish, the deepest dwelling fish we know, has flexible cartilage instead of bones. The megalodon, undoubtedly one of the most popular sharks ever, has been the king of the ocean for millions of years. No hard feeling. What If We Turned Earth Into a Spaceship? Even Boessenecker says we need more research before we can solve this mystery. What if it adapted to this hostile environment, waiting for you to come by for its dinner? Megalodon? i think the Megalodon is alive and if it did live in the trench the metabolism from the lack of oxygen. So why do some people think it could still exist in the Mariana Trench and other deep places in the ocean? Could this remnant population of Megalodon Shark still thrive today, far out of sight of humans? I think it s possible that this creature is still a live at least 99% in the bottom of the Mariana trench with all stuff i have read that is where the last Megalodon shark really is. A living Megalodon deep in the Mariana Trench is a hopeful idea, but modern science tells us that the Megalodon Shark went extinct thousands of years ago. Here's a comparison of the shark in the video and another sleeper shark: While the shark in the video is indeed large, it would be considered rather small if it were actually a megalodon. That said, I think a lot of the reports of Megalodon are really just that - the people saw them. cryptid (author) from USA on September 14, 2014: Thanks for the kind words, Natalie. How 'deluded' Putin thought Ukraine invasion would break up Nato & have West bowing down to Russia, leaked docs show, Man had sex with his wife on bollard after fuming neighbour placed it in cul-de-sac in protest during parking row, 'Bubbly' nightclub worker, 31, killed after her Audi crashed into a bridge on her way home from work, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). It would make much more sense if it lived closer to the surface. Extinct species and people dont belong in the same era. What If You Fell Into a Pool of Molten Metal. i have studied the oceans. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. So, there seems to be nothing preventing a Megalodon from living in the dark of the ocean, should it have reason to do so. This fact alone is enough for most researchers to conclude that Megalodon is extinct. Some people believe that the megalodon could live in the Mariana trench, but thats virtually impossible. The megalodon would swim to the upper reaches of the ocean and feed at night. Very intelligently written and well organized. Using information about its jaw and the number of teeth in its mouth, scientists also say that it likely had one of the most powerful bite forces in animal history somewhere between 108,500 and 182,200 Newtons. The reason people typically reconstruct the megalodon as a large great white is because many thought they were related for a long time. So, the Pacific Ocean floor is like a big conveyor belt, slowly marching westward over time, where it is recycled into the depths of the Mariana Trench. But we must not shrug off the fact that we still do not know a majority of our deep sea including the trench. Its a question that many people ask themselves. That means even a 100-foot meg may not have weighed as much as a blue whale. Around 3.5 million years ago, Megalodon was gone. Despite its impressive size, it remained unknown until 1976. the only way we know is by searching the Mariana trench. It is rich in sea life, with several species of large whales in residence. The Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic trench on earth.The lowest point is known as the Challenger Deep, and it is believed to have a maximum depth of 36,037 feet / 10,984 meters below the ocean's surface.. I'm convinced. The last place that megalodon sharks would go if they were still alive would be the Mariana Trench. Could this be the last remaining Megalodon? Are they right? For Megalodon to have made the adjustment from a surface, coastal hunter to a deep-ocean predator it would have required some serious evolutionary adaptations. As we will see, there are a few problems with this story. Many people now believe that megalodon is still alive because of the fictional documentaries. Then return to the deep during the day. Scientists believe that a large part of its extinction was due to its loss of habitat. "If an animal as big as megalodon still lived in the oceans we would know about it.". There is no mistaking the 15 cm (6 in) teeth of the largest apex predator, the megalodon. CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on May 20, 2014: Interesting hub cryptid. Well, its teeth and bones might not be in great shape. One shocking report from 1918, tells of a 35-metre long "monster" shark stalking the waters off the port of St Stephens. One of the reasons is that it is vertically migratory, meaning it only comes anywhere near the surface at night. Conspiracy theorists believe the megalodon has managed to successfully avoid detection for millions of years. Fast forward 2 million years and the great white shark had spread all across the globe. Like digging a hole into the Mariana Trench. Scientists have found whale bones from more than 3.5 million years ago with the etchings of megalodon teeth in them. Their job is to stop the other molecules from being crushed by the pressure. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Supersized themselves into a massive proportion. It's definitely not alive in the deep oceans, despite what the Discovery Channel has said in the past,' notes Emma. Find out more, Contact Advertise Licensing Newsletter Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of ServiceOur Production Process. Why do you think whales and giant squid dive so deep and they aren't even the size of the megalodon. Granted, they are fearless sharks that could crash boats, however, we are the smartest and the top apex predator on this planet. In fact, one of Megalodon's ancient competitors was a massive predatory Sperm Whale with foot-long teeth known as Livyatan Melvillei. ", Rchick added: "Scientists and researchers dont know anything for sure. She added the megalodon would not be able to survive in the cold waters of the deep, where it would stand a better chance of going unnoticed. Come dive in with us as we explore everything you need to know about the all-powerful megalodon. She says the creature would have eaten large prey such as whales and other sharks, but there are no reports of whales being attacked by a predator large enough to be a megalodon. Scientists have not captured concrete evidence of Mega, yet. And inward-facing teeth could prevent slimy prey from escaping. 99% of the ocean floor has yet to be discovered so if you want to get cocky and be scientific by saying they are extinct then you have to leave room for the possibility that its possible they may still exist. Would you ever go swimming in the ocean with the thought that a monster shark might be lurking near you? ive wanted to be a marine biologist for many years. And a large size does not necesarily mean a large prey item to sustain it. hi megalodon are the best animal in the world. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. At its deepest, it is estimated at nearly 10,000 feet. And their suspicions have been fuelled by several unexplained videos posted on the web said to show the giant beast thriving today. So, it is possible science may once again reverse its position on maximum megalodon size, if or when more information becomes available. Researchers say their teeth are also commonly found around Australia and Morocco, though you can even find them around the UK. However, that wont stop certain types of people to believe that the megalodon never went extinct, and its still alive. Oxygen is essential to our survival. Throughout the years, many documentaries were made, however, most of them are based on false assumptions, with fake stories, videos, and pictures. Just because we have encountered alien life, does not mean it's not out there. There is no mistaking the 15 cm (6 in) teeth of the largest apex predator, the megalodon. Images surfaced in 2016 which appeared to show what looked like a 60-foot shark illuminated in the darkness of Japan's Suruga Bay. Without it, life on Earth would be over very quickly. All deep-sea creatures also have molecules called piezolytes. He has said that unusually large and unidentified sharks are still being reported. 2. However, there are plenty who clearly believe the ferocious beast IS still alive today and lurking in the depths of the world's seas. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. No cell phones, electricity or even other humans. it would also be able to have its normal body temperature sense of heat vents in the Mariana. The fossils of the megalodon are from the beginning of the world. The Mariana Trench is a massive canyon in the Earth's crust and the deepest part of the ocean. Dozens of sightings of incredibly large sharks have become the stuff of legend among fishermen around the seas of New South Wales in Australia. What If the World Lost Oxygen for an Hour? Based on what we know about this megatooth shark, scientists estimate that their jaws could open anywhere from 2.7 to 3.4 meters wide. The megalodon has gained somewhat of a mythical reputation over the past few decades. So, believers reason, if Megalodon still exists it must have evolved to live somewhere it is rarely seen. It just means a large amount of prey, or a very slow and long life at low temperatures. Besides there has been sighting of ol' Meg, yeah you can't trust everything, bbbbbuuuuutttttttt you have to count your losses. The giant's terrifying jaws were lined with 276 teeth - measuring up to an incredible seven inches in length. Manage Settings Far to the east, the new ocean floor is created by volcanic activity. However, this also tells us that Megalodon doesn't need the depths of the Mariana Trench to stay hidden. When later disassembled, 2 enormous teeth were found embedded in the bodywork and were later identified as the belonging to the enormous, dangerous and questionable extinct MEGALODON. See our Megalodon Size Comparison and Megalodon vs Blue Whale articles to learn more! The most watched clip was reported to have been filmed at the bottom of the Mariana Trench and appears to show a giant shark scouring the sea floor. So how does a coastal predator go from munching on whales, pinnipeds, and massive turtles near shore to eating deep-diving creatures in the Marina Trench? Millions of years ago, the megalodon shark was one of the scariest creatures to ever lurk in our seas. Theyre metabolism are slow. This video wasn't "breaking," it didn't show a 50-foot shark, it wasn't filmed in the Mariana Trench, and it absolutely didn't capture an extinct megalodon. But I don't think it lives in the marina trench the pressure is too much!!! The timing is everything. Getting bitten by this beast would feel like being crushed by three African elephants stacked on top of each other. We know primarily about Megalodon's existence through fossilized teeth. We take 23,000 breaths a day; trying to get oxygen to our brain and cells. 3838 Camino Del Rio N #102 San Diego, CA 92108. The Megalodon (Otodus megalodon), is an extinct species of shark, arguably one of the largest, if not the largest marine predator that has ever lived. However, Emma Bernard, curator of the National History Museums fossil fish collection, says megalodons can not be around today. In fact, if we were living in the same era, we could be the reason for their extinction. But that brings us back to our original problem: If a 60-foot predatory shark is still out there, and still lives around the world, we should see the evidence. So cool. The drop in temperatures affected these sharks in many ways. Scientists believe that with such huge teeth, this enormous shark most likely ate meat, including large fish, whales, and any other kinds of large marine animals it could wrap its jaw around. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here. Some people believe that the megalodon could live in the Mariana trench, but thats virtually impossible. italian athletics championships; 2nd biggest wetherspoons in uk. I like to think fishermen know the difference between a whale shark and something else, but you never know what they really saw. ' No, not at all. Things move and what may be there one day could be somewhere else another. Anything is possible. 1,500 miles is also the distance between Madrid, in Spain, and Copenhagen, in Denmark.- To survive in the Mariana Trench, Megalodon would have had to adapt to the living conditions and evolve. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.
