First In Situ Discovery of Megalodon Tooth in Deep Sea

December 23, 2023

A small team of oceanographers, in collaboration with a zoologist from Germany’s SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, has made a groundbreaking discovery—the first in situ fossilized megalodon tooth in the deep sea. The findings, published in the journal Historical Biology, shed light on the conditions and significance of the ancient shark’s tooth, providing a unique perspective on the megalodon’s existence.

Megalodon: A Legendary Predator

The megalodon, considered one of the greatest predators in history, roamed the oceans between 4 and 20 million years ago. While direct evidence of this massive shark is limited, its teeth continue to be found on beaches worldwide. Scientists estimate that a megalodon could shed up to 40,000 teeth in its lifetime, contributing to the fossilized evidence found in Miocene and Pliocene sediments across the globe.

Unprecedented Discovery in Deep Ocean

This discovery stands out as the first in situ finding of a megalodon tooth, emphasizing its exceptional significance. Previous discoveries often involved megalodon teeth embedded in fossilized whale bones, but this instance marks the location where the tooth originally settled after leaving the shark’s mouth.

Surveying the Deep Ocean with Advanced Technology

The oceanographers, aboard the Exploration Vessel (EV) Nautilus, used advanced deep-diving technologies, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), to survey the seafloor. The tooth was discovered during an ROV dive and filmed in situ before being collected for further examination.

Insights into Megalodon’s Deep-Sea Presence

The tooth, upon inspection on dry land, revealed a broken tip, a fractured tip, and serrated edges. The study emphasizes the importance of using sophisticated technologies to explore the largest and least-explored parts of the ocean. This unprecedented finding provides valuable insights into the deep-sea presence of the megalodon and highlights the significance of advanced underwater exploration methods.

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