New 3D mannequin exhibits that megalodon might eat prey the dimensions of total killer whales. Credit score: J. J. Giraldo
Megalodon, the most important shark that ever lived, is legendary for its gigantic, human-hand-sized tooth. Nonetheless, there may be little fossil proof of its entire physique. Worldwide researchers in collaboration with the College of Zurich used an exceptionally preserved specimen to create a 3D pc mannequin of its full physique. In accordance with their outcomes, the megalodon might totally devour prey the dimensions of right now’s killer whales after which roam the seas with out extra meals for 2 months.
The reconstructed megadolon (Otodus megalodon) was 16 meters (52 toes) lengthy and weighed over 61 tons. It was estimated that it might swim at round 1.4 meters per second (3.1 mph), required over 98,000 kilo energy each day, and had a abdomen quantity of just about 10,000 liters. These outcomes recommend that the megalodon might journey lengthy distances and was able to consuming entire prey as much as 8 meters (26 toes) lengthy. Notably, that is the dimensions of contemporary killer whales, right now’s high ocean predator. A capability to eat massive apex predators of comparable dimension hundreds of thousands of years in the past locations megalodon at a better trophic stage than trendy high predators.
The reconstructed megadolon (Otodus megalodon) was 16 meters lengthy and weighed over 61 tons. It was estimated that it might swim at round 1.4 meters per second. Credit score: J. J. Giraldo
Nicely-preserved backbone permits reconstruction
These are the findings of a global research carried out in collaboration with the College of Zurich and printed on August 17 in Science Advances. The analysis was solely potential as a result of 3D modeling of 1 particular person megalodon which was found within the 1860s. Towards all odds, a sizeable portion of its vertebral column was left behind within the fossil report after the creature died within the Miocene oceans of Belgium about 18 million years in the past. It’s estimated that it was 46 years outdated when it died.
“These outcomes recommend that this large shark was a trans-oceanic super-apex predator.” — Catalina Pimiento
“Shark tooth are frequent fossils due to their arduous composition which permits them to stay effectively preserved,” says first creator Jack Cooper, PhD pupil at Swansea College. “Nonetheless, their skeletons are manufactured from cartilage, so that they not often fossilize. The megalodon vertebral column from the Royal Belgian Institute of Pure Sciences is, subsequently, a one-of-a-kind fossil.”
From single vertebra to entire physique mass
The analysis workforce, which incorporates researchers from Switzerland, the UK, america, Australia, and South Africa, first measured and scanned each single vertebra, earlier than reconstructing all the column. Subsequent, they hooked up the column to a 3D scan of a megalodon’s dentition from america. Lastly, they accomplished the mannequin by including “flesh” across the skeleton utilizing a 3D scan of the physique of an incredible white shark from South Africa.
“Weight is among the most vital traits of any animal. For extinct animals we will estimate the physique mass with trendy 3D digital modeling strategies after which set up the connection between mass and different organic properties comparable to pace and vitality utilization,” says co-author John Hutchinson, professor on the Royal Veterinary Faculty within the UK.
A trans-oceanic super-apex predator
The excessive energetic demand would have been met by feeding on the calorie-rich blubber of whales, during which megalodon chunk marks have beforehand been discovered within the fossil report. An optimum foraging mannequin of potential megalodon prey encounters discovered that consuming a single 8-meter-long (26-foot-long) whale could have allowed the shark to swim hundreds of miles throughout oceans with out consuming once more for 2 months.
“These outcomes recommend that this large shark was a trans-oceanic super-apex predator,” says Catalina Pimiento, Professor on the College of Zurich and senior creator of the research. “The extinction of this iconic large shark possible impacted international nutrient transport and launched massive cetaceans from a powerful predatory strain.”
The whole 3D mannequin can now be used as a foundation for future reconstructions and additional analysis. The novel organic inferences drawn from this analysis signify a leap in our data of this singular tremendous predator. The research helps to higher perceive the ecological operate that megafaunal species play in marine ecosystems and the large-scale penalties of their extinction.
Reference: “The extinct shark Otodus megalodon was a transoceanic superpredator: Inferences from 3D modeling” by Jack A. Cooper, John R. Hutchinson, David C. Bernvi, Geremy Cliff, Rory P. Wilson, Matt L. Dicken, Jan Menzel, Stephen Wroe, Jeanette Pirlo and Catalina Pimiento, 17 August 2022, Science Advances.
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9424
