Forgotten find reveals what the megalodon ate

An unexpected discovery of megalodon vertebrae, lost for years after a move, has significantly advanced scientific understanding of the extinct giant shark, Otodus megalodon. The vertebrae, found in Denmark's Gram clay pit and dating back nearly 11 million years, are among the few megalodon skeletons ever discovered, as shark skeletons are primarily cartilage and decompose rapidly.

“

Other marine species probably saw it as a monster. It was a gigantic predator, a top predator.

These exceptionally large vertebrae, the northernmost found to date, were scanned using micro-computer tomography at Aarhus University. The analysis of growth rings revealed the individual megalodon was at least 64 years old when it died, suggesting a potential lifespan of up to 96 years. Researchers estimate the shark could reach lengths of up to 24.3 meters and weigh approximately 94 tons, dwarfing the modern great white shark.

Adding to the significance of the find, remnants of gills and scales from another shark species, a basking shark, were discovered in the sediment surrounding the megalodon vertebrae. This marks the first time fossilized stomach contents have directly identified the prey of a megalodon, previously inferred only from bite marks on other marine fossils. Scientists believe the basking shark was likely the megalodon's final meal.

“

The remains had been damaged during a move, and what remained of them were put aside, probably because no one knew how to handle them. Eventually, they were forgotten.

The study, published in Palaeontologia Electronica, sheds new light on the life and diet of this apex predator, which roamed the world's oceans from 15 to 3.6 million years ago. The findings confirm its status as the largest shark in history and provide concrete details about its age, size, and predatory habits.

“

It is very likely that the basking shark was the megalodon's last meal.