The ancient megalodon shark was slimmer than previously thought.

Scientists from the University of California, DePaul University, and other institutions have just published research results indicating that the megalodon – a prehistoric shark species – had a more slender body than previously thought.

The image depicts the body shape of Otodus megalodon in the past (black) and present (gray). Photo: CNN

Otodus megalodon lived over 23 million years ago, but very little evidence exists in the fossil record (only teeth and vertebrae, not any complete skeleton). That is why some estimates of its body size are based on the body of the modern great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), which has a thick and rounded shape.

New research is based on a re-evaluation of an incomplete fossilized megalodon vertebral body found in Belgium. Using CT scans on a live great white shark to compare the entire vertebral skeleton with reconstructions of the megalodon specimen's spine, scientists discovered that the megalodon's body was leaner than that of modern great white sharks. Accordingly, this individual was actually at least 11.1 meters long, whereas previous research estimated this particular megalodon to be 9.2 meters long. Thus, the megalodon's vertebrae would not have been strong enough to support its entire body weight as estimated. This new finding marks a major scientific breakthrough in the effort to decipher the megalodon.

HANH CHI

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ca-map-co-dai-megalodon-manh-hon-suy-doan-post723904.html