Scientists find new clue in what led to megalodon’s demise

[Denis Arcand]

Megalodon, once feared as a cold-blooded killer, was actually partially warm-blooded, with a body temperature 7 degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding seawater. This trait likely contributed to its massive size and prowess as a predator. However, the need to maintain a high metabolism might have made it vulnerable to extinction when the Earth cooled. Understanding ancient sharks like megalodon can provide insights into the challenges faced by modern apex predators, such as the great white shark, due to climate change.

 

https://www.sciencealert.com/we-finally-have-a-new-clue-about-what-wiped-out-the-megalodon

 

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2218153120