Megashark fossils found off Canary coast
Spanish scientists have discovered a large deposit of fossils belonging to the largest marine predator that ever existed.
The megalodon, which measured between 14 and 18 metres (46–59 feet) in length and weighed 100 tonnes, ruled the Earth's waters until it became extinct two million years ago.
"(The discovery of the fossils) is an event of great scientific significance," Spain's Oceanography Institute (IEO) said in a statement on Monday.
"They show that the biggest marine predator of all time lived, hunted and reproduced in these waters during that era."
The fossil deposits were found at the base of an undersea mountain some 2,000 metres deep during an ocean research campaign in Canary waters in October 2012.
But scientists had to wait till now to determine that the fossils didn't belong to other extinct shark, whale and sea cow species.
Based on the kind of teeth it possessed, IEO scientists believe the megalodon fed on large prey like whales, dolphins, turtles and seals.
It is thought to have been a great migrator found in all of the Earth's oceans.
Comments
See Also
The megalodon, which measured between 14 and 18 metres (46–59 feet) in length and weighed 100 tonnes, ruled the Earth's waters until it became extinct two million years ago.
"(The discovery of the fossils) is an event of great scientific significance," Spain's Oceanography Institute (IEO) said in a statement on Monday.
"They show that the biggest marine predator of all time lived, hunted and reproduced in these waters during that era."
The fossil deposits were found at the base of an undersea mountain some 2,000 metres deep during an ocean research campaign in Canary waters in October 2012.
But scientists had to wait till now to determine that the fossils didn't belong to other extinct shark, whale and sea cow species.
Based on the kind of teeth it possessed, IEO scientists believe the megalodon fed on large prey like whales, dolphins, turtles and seals.
It is thought to have been a great migrator found in all of the Earth's oceans.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.