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New research has dramatically reshaped our understanding of Otodus megalodon, the prehistoric shark often visualised as an oversized great white. A study led by Dr Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University has revealed that megalodon had a more streamlined body, akin to modern lemon sharks, rather than the bulky shape traditionally assumed.
Analysing fossilised vertebrae discovered in Belgium, the researchers reconstructed accurate body proportions, finding that megalodon’s head accounted for 16.6% of its total body length, while its tail made up an impressive 32.6%. This suggests a design optimised for speed and efficiency rather than brute force.
The study estimates that the specimen examined measured approximately 16 metres (54 feet) in length, reaffirming its status as one of history’s largest marine predators. The research also sheds light on megalodon’s reproductive strategies, suggesting newborns were already nearly 3.9 metres (13 feet) long – among the largest known in the fossil record.
Beyond reshaping perceptions of this legendary predator, the findings contribute to our understanding of aquatic gigantism. The more hydrodynamic body shape may have played a crucial role in megalodon’s evolutionary success, enhancing agility and predation efficiency at vast sizes. These insights provide valuable clues into how giant marine species have adapted to survive throughout history.
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