Megalodon, the infamous prehistoric shark, may not have been the cold-blooded killer it was believed to be. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists have discovered that Megalodon was partially warm-blooded, with a body temperature about 7 degrees Celsius (44 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the estimated seawater temperatures at that time.
The study, which analyzed fossilized Megalodon teeth, found evidence that the ancient shark had elevated body temperatures, similar to modern warm-blooded animals. This discovery suggests that the warm-blooded trait played a key role in Megalodon’s terrifying size and eventual disappearance.
Believed to have been at least 15 meters (49 feet) long, Megalodon was one of the largest apex marine predators in history. It went extinct approximately 3.6 million years ago. While scientists previously theorized that Megalodon was warm-blooded, this study provides concrete evidence to support that hypothesis.
The research team analyzed the bonding between carbon and oxygen isotopes found in the ancient shark’s teeth. This data revealed an average body temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) for Megalodon. Like modern great white and mako sharks, Megalodon was regionally endothermic, meaning it had the ability to regulate temperature in specific parts of its body.
Being warm-blooded may have been one of the driving factors behind Megalodon’s massive size and hunting abilities. The evolution of warm-bloodedness likely allowed the shark to keep up with the high metabolic demands of its gigantic size. However, this trait may have also contributed to Megalodon’s downfall. The study suggests that the constant energy required to regulate its body temperature may have made the shark more vulnerable to changes in prey populations as the Earth’s temperature cooled.
Lead study author Michael Griffiths states that learning more about Megalodon can help scientists understand the threats faced by similar marine animals today. The vulnerability of large apex predators, such as the modern great white shark, to climate change is highlighted by this research.
The discovery of Megalodon’s warm-bloodedness sheds new light on the fascinating world of prehistoric sharks and their adaptations to the environment. Understanding the past can provide valuable insights into the present and future challenges faced by marine ecosystems.