The megalodon (pronounced /ˈmɛɡələdɒn/ MEG-ə-lə-don, "big tooth" in Greek, from μέγας and ὀδούς) was a giant shark that lived in prehistoric times during the late Oligocene epoch and Neogene period, and was a super-predator.
It was by far the largest and most powerful fish of its time, and its maximum size is theorized to be around 20 metres (66 ft). From scrutiny of its remains, scientists conclude that C. megalodon belongs to the order Lamnifor...
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The megalodon (pronounced /ˈmɛɡələdɒn/ MEG-ə-lə-don, "big tooth" in Greek, from μέγας and ὀδούς) was a giant shark that lived in prehistoric times during the late Oligocene epoch and Neogene period, and was a super-predator.
It was by far the largest and most powerful fish of its time, and its maximum size is theorized to be around 20 metres (66 ft). From scrutiny of its remains, scientists conclude that C. megalodon belongs to the order Lamniformes but its genus is disputed. Fossil evidence has revealed that C. megalodon fed upon large marine animals.
According to Renaissance accounts, large, triangular fossil teeth often found embedded in rocky formations were once believed to be petrified tongues, or glossopetrae, of the dragons and snakes. This interpretation was corrected in 1667 by a Danish naturalist Nicolaus Steno, who recognized them as ancient shark teeth (and famously produced a depiction of a shark's head bearing such teeth). He mentioned his findings in a book, The Head...
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