Ancient Megalodon: Massive Prehistoric Shark Dwarfed Modern Great Whites, Fossils Show

It is estimated to have become extinct about 2.6 million years ago, but scientists regularly discover and reveal facts about this terrifying creature, whose true size is a subject of debate, reports The Sun.

A complete megalodon skeleton has never been found, making it difficult for scientists to determine its size. However, a recent study by researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Swansea has provided new information about this creature.

Scientists examined rare megalodon tooth fossils and used mathematical calculations to determine their full size. According to their results, this giant shark would have reached a length of about 18 meters.

This would make it about four times larger than the average great white shark, whose size generally ranges between 5 and 7 meters. In addition, megalodons weighed up to 48 tons and had teeth the size of human hands, giving them a biting power of 10 tons.

Another study published in the journal Science Advances revealed what the megalodon shark ate. Researchers used fossil evidence to create a 3D model of the enormous ancient shark. They concluded that it was a far superior predator that really had no competitor at the time.

According to the study, an adult megalodon could swim at faster speeds than any shark species today. In addition, megalodon tooth cut marks have been found on bones, suggesting it could eat a whale in a few bites.

Finally, megalodon shark teeth have been found on all continents except Antarctica. According to experts, these teeth are also quite common off the coast of Morocco and parts of Australia, and can even be found in the United Kingdom.