Megalodon Teeth: Specimens from Ancient Seas
The Megalodon, an ancient shark species, was one of the largest predators to have ever existed. Estimates suggest that these colossal creatures could reach lengths of up to 82 feet (25 meters) or more. They swam the Earth's oceans approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era. This massive shark species ruled the seas for a significant portion of Earth's history.
Image courtesy of UCLA
Extraordinary Objects is delighted to have multiple Megalodon Shark Teeth available. These teeth are among the most well-preserved fossils, and their size and unique serrations make them easily distinguishable. Which serve as crucial artefacts for scientists, helping to unravel the mysteries of Megalodon biology and behaviour.
Fossilised Megalodon teeth have been discovered in various parts of the world, providing evidence of their global distribution. Fossils have been found in places such as North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Preferring warmer waters, Megalodon remnants are commonly found in subtropical and temperate ocean regions. This preference for specific water temperatures likely influenced their distribution and migration patterns.
Their diet mainly consisted mainly of large marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Fossil evidence often reveals bite marks on whale bones, indicating the shark's formidable hunting prowess. Yet the extinction of these animals is widely debated by the scientific community. However the prevailing theory of their demise is based on climate change. 2.6 million years ago there was a huge shift in global temperatures causing the climate to cool drastically. Megalodons prey because of the changing climate, entire species that megalodon preyed upon vanished forever. Simultaneously causing more competition for food alongside other apex predators such as the great white shark.
Megalodon teeth come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small, 3-inch (7.6 cm) teeth upwards. The size variation likely corresponds to the shark's age and the position of the tooth within its jaw. In our current exhibition our megalodon teeth are predominantly from the Miocene Era (26 million years old). With our specimens ranging from 12.5 x12 x 4 cm, up to 15 x 11.5 x 2 cm.
View our full collection of Megalodon Shark Teeth:
