The evolution of sharks hasn’t been a straightforward progression towards “modern” species. It has been a journey with branches, offshoots, and dead ends, shaped by environmental change, competition, and opportunity.
Megalodon sharks even bigger than previously thought
The megalodon shark is the most ferocious predator ever, but a new study revealed that it may have been even bigger than previously imagined.
Study reveals true size of prehistoric megalodon sharks
The megalodon, which lived from 23 to around three million years ago, is estimated to have had a head that was over 15 feet wide and was over twice the length of a Great White.
Discovery airing encore episodes for ‘Shark Weekend’
Discovery will air an encore presentation of some of its best Shark Week programming starting Saturday, April 4 at 6:00 a.m.
The evolution of megalodon’s perfectly adapted teeth
The perfectly shaped cutting tools that were the teeth of the mighty megalodon were the result of millions of years of evolution, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Victor Perez, a doctoral student in geology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, analyzed 359 fossilized teeth found in […]
Great whites may have beat out megalodon in battle for survival
According to new research published in the Journal of Life and Environmental Sciences, megalodon sharks likely went extinct at least one million years earlier than previously thought and direct competition with great whites might be to blame. A team of researchers led by vertebrate paleontologist Robert Boessenecker from the College of Charleston-South Carolina, analyzed fossil occurrence of […]
Gigantic shark species a result of evolutionary adaptation
A news study from Swansea University found that for a species of shark to become giant, it would need to first evolve adaptations that enhance feeding. This includes its ability to control body temperature or become a filter feeder. Swansea University’s Dr. Catalina Pimiento and associates examined the biological traits of all elasmobranchs and ran a […]
The Legend of the Black Demon shark
We all like to indulge in a good fish tale. Especially when that fish is a shark. The legend of El Demonio Negro, the Black Demon, has persisted for as long as people entered the waters of the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, between the Baja Peninsula and the state of […]
Was megalodon the world’s largest scavenger?
Was Carcharocles megalodon, the monstrous whale eater and star of so many books and movies, an obligate scavenger? Best-selling paleo-fiction author Max Hawthorne believes that, while younger Megalodons were active hunters, adults got the lion’s share of their calories from drifting whale carcasses. “It comes down to physics and tooth morphology,” said Hawthorne, who does extensive marine life […]
Jayson ‘The Fossil Guy’ Kowinsky: Digging up a passion for ancient sharks
This guest column is brought to you by Jayson Kowinsky, more commonly known as “The Fossil Guy.” He is the Avocational Liaison to the Paleontological Society and also runs Fossilguy.com. Jayson loves to share his interest in paleontology and prehistoric sharks, and helps enthusiasts get involved in the field of professional paleontology. Chiseling away […]
