The extinct sharkOtodus megalodonwas a transoceanic superpredator: Inferences from 3D modeling

Abstract

Although shark teeth are abundant in the fossil record, their bodies are rarely preserved. Thus, our understanding of the anatomy of the extinctOtodus megalodonremains rudimentary. We used an exceptionally well-preserved fossil to create the first three-dimensional model of the body of this giant shark and used it to infer its movement and feeding ecology. We estimate that an adultO. megalodoncould cruise at faster absolute speeds than any shark species today and fully consume prey the size of modern apex predators. A dietary preference for large prey potentially enabledO. megalodonto minimize competition and provided a constant source of energy to fuel prolonged migrations without further feeding. Together, our results suggest thatO. megalodonplayed an important ecological role as a transoceanic superpredator. Hence, its extinction likely had large impacts on global nutrient transfer and trophic food webs.