Megaladon:Pre-histroic nightmare

Megaladon:The prehistoric nightmare

Megalodon was the biggest shark that ever lived, but just how big was it? Paleontologists aren't quite sure, but most agree that Megalodon grew to at least 52 feet. A study published in 2013 suggests a maximum length of 59 feet - roughly three times as long as the longest great white!

The Megalodon is believed to have had the most powerful bite of any animal, and it’s not even close. Computer models estimate the Megalodon’s bite force between 24,000 to 40,000 pounds (10,900 to 18,100 kilograms), This is 6-10 times that of the Great White shark and modern crocodiles, This is also 2-3 times that of the estimated bite force of 12,800 pounds for T-Rex and the large Mosasaurs. This enormous bite force could literally bite a small whale in half. 

Size comparision

The Megalodon has been compared to the whale shark (around 12.65 metres, or close to 41.50 feet) and the scientific community has determined that Megalodon was larger, based on both weight and length. Megalodon was also far bigger than the great white shark, which would only be around half of Megalodon's size. Megalodon has also been found to be far larger than the gigantic theropod dinosaurs such as Spinosaurus, T-Rex, as well as the large ocean going marine reptiles such as Basilosaurus, and Tylosaurus. While all of those animals were at least 8 metres in length and often as large as 17.5 metres, they didn't match the length of Megalodon. 

Size comparision of megalaton

Most current, scientifically accepted estimates for the Megalodon's maximum size fall into the 50-60 foot range, with a weight of 50-70 tons. Compare that to the largest living shark, the Great White that maxes out at about 21 feet and 3 1/2 tons. 

Reason for extinction

In a new study, researchers analyzed dozens of Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) fossils, and now estimate that the ancient shark, the largest to ever live, likely went extinct about 2.6 million years ago.

This date falls on the border between the Pliocene and Pleistocene Epochs, right when baleen whalesbegan growing to their modern-day gigantic sizes. The timing of the Megalodon's extinction makes sense, since these ancient sharks fed on marine mammals, including whales and dolphins, the researchers write in the paper. Without the presence of a predator, the baleen whale could flourish.