Megalodon body shape disputed

A new study suggests that the prehistoric shark portrayed as a super-sized monster in Hollywood movies may have been more slender than previously thought 


The Meg (2018)


PREVIOUS BODY SHAPE
Past reconstructions assumed megalodon resembled larger version of great white shark

Great white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias) 
Length: Up to six metres

Megalodon
(Otodus megalodon) 
Length: 15-20 metres, estimated

REVISED BODY SHAPE
Reappraisal of incomplete set of fossil vertebrae discovered in Belgium, found backbone of megalodon too thin to support body shape like great white

Repercussions: Longer body may have given shark longer digestive canal, making it easier to absorb nutrients

Slimmer megalodon may not have had to eat so often, reducing need to hunt, easing pressure on other marine creatures

Fossil record limited to teeth and vertebrae only – no complete skeleton found

New reconstruction is slimmer and more elongated

Slender body suggests megalodon may have been slow-cruising shark with occasional “burst swimming” for capturing prey


Source: Palaeontologia Electronica 
Picture: Warner Bros 
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