A pioneering research brings about an unparalleled understanding of the extinct Megalodon, indicating this primeval shark was a languid swimmer, utilizing its warm-blooded nature for effective digestion and nutrient assimilation. In opposition to its portrayal as a formidable, quick-moving predator, the study suggests that Megalodon was an ‘average swimmer,’ owing to the absence of tightly packed ridges on its minuscule ‘placoid’ scales.
A recent research spearheaded by Professor Kenshu Shimada upends the traditional perception of the extinct Megalodon, proposing it was a slow swimmer that leveraged its warm-bloodedness for digestion and nutrient assimilation, thereby enabling its colossal size.
Reconsidering Megalodon: Revelations from a New Study
An innovative research reveals that the famed and extinct Megalodon, often referred to as the ‘megatooth shark,’ was actually a slow-moving organism that utilized its warm-bloodedness to facilitate digestion and nutrient assimilation.
Professor Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University, in collaboration with his co-authors, has put forth a radical reevaluation of the lifestyle and biology of Otodus megalodon, the ancient shark that had a near-global presence approximately 15 to 3.6 million years ago.
This landmark study, which refutes traditional beliefs about Megalodon’s swimming speed, is featured in the globally recognized scientific journal, Historical Biology.
Portrayal and Perception of the Megalodon
Otodus megalodon has frequently been depicted as a gargantuan, monstrous shark in literature and cinema, such as the 2018 sci-fi thriller “The Meg” and the upcoming “Meg 2.” While the species was indeed gigantic, the maximum estimated length is about 65 feet (20 meters).
New Evidence and Insights
The recent research revolves around the discovery of tiny scales, accurately termed ‘placoid scales’, from O. megalodon. These were found within rock fragments encompassing a previously identified tooth set of this fossilized shark from Japan.
“Our significant scientific discoveries stem from ‘tiny evidence’ as small as grains of sand,” explains Professor Shimada.
Up until now, our understanding of O. megalodon’s biology was primarily based on its enormous teeth and vertebrae. It was hypothesized to be regionally endothermic or partially warm-blooded — similar to large contemporary predatory sharks such as the makos and great white sharks. Conventionally, O. megalodon was assumed to be an active, fast swimmer. However, the new study unveils that its minute placoid scales lack the tightly packed ridges or ‘keels’ characteristic of swift sharks. “This led my research team to perceive O. megalodon as an ‘average swimmer’ with occasional bouts of faster swimming for prey capture,” elucidated Shimada.
New Perspectives on Megalodon’s Warm-Bloodedness
The research also introduces a new conundrum. Despite substantial evidence for regional endothermy in O. megalodon, based on another recent study where Shimada played a key role, it remained uncertain how this prehistoric shark utilized the high levels of metabolic heat generated by its warm-bloodedness without being a robust swimmer.
Upon reviewing existing research, the researchers pinpointed another potential function of endothermic body physiology that had been overlooked in O. megalodon’s biological context: aiding digestion, and absorbing and processing nutrients.
“It suddenly clicked,” said Shimada. “Otodus megalodon must have ingested large chunks of food, so it’s quite possible that the fossil shark attained its gigantic size by investing its endothermic metabolism to enhance visceral food processing.”
Reference: “Tessellated calcified cartilage and placoid scales of the Neogene megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon (Lamniformes: Otodontidae), offer new insights into its biology and the evolution of regional endothermy and gigantism in the otodontid clade” by Kenshu Shimada, Yuta Yamaoka, Yukito Kurihara, Yuji Takakuwa, Harry M. Maisch IV, Martin A. Becker, Robert A. Eagle and Michael L. Griffiths, 23 June 2023, Historical Biology.
DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2023.2211597
Funding: National Science Foundation Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology Award to M.L.G. and M.A.B.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Megalodon research
What does the new study reveal about the extinct Megalodon?
The new study suggests that the Megalodon, contrary to its depiction as a swift and terrifying predator, was actually a slow swimmer. It used its warm-bloodedness to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, which contributed to its colossal size.
Who led the new study on Megalodon?
The new study was led by Professor Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University.
What does the study say about Megalodon’s swimming speed?
The study challenges the traditional belief about Megalodon’s speed. Instead of being a fast swimmer, the study suggests that Megalodon was an ‘average swimmer,’ based on the absence of closely spaced ridges on its tiny ‘placoid’ scales.
What potential function of Megalodon’s endothermic physiology was identified by the researchers?
The researchers identified that the endothermic body physiology of Megalodon could have aided in digestion, and absorbing and processing nutrients. This function had previously been overlooked in the context of Megalodon’s biology.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in the internationally recognized scientific journal, Historical Biology.
More about Megalodon research
- Historical Biology Journal
- Kenshu Shimada’s profile at DePaul University
- Information about Megalodon
5 comments
Professor Shimada’s work is always eye-opening! Looking forward to reading the full paper.
this is a game-changer. rethinking everything i knew about megalodons…
mind blown. megalodons being warm-blooded and using it for digestion… whos next, the T-rex?? haha.
wow, who’d have thought megalodons were slow swimmers? Always imagined them like speedy killers from the movies!
slow swimmer, but still wouldnt want to meet one in a dark ocean alley, you know? lol.