The largest recorded shark ever lived, Megalodon, previously widely reported to be alive. But scientists from the University of Florida have denied it.
According to research published in the online journal, PLOSE ONE, the university scientists confirmed if Megalodon has been extinct since 2.6 million years ago. This is quite a relief to the public, after previously Discovery Channel scientists said if Megalodon is likely to still live out there, Daily Mail (23/10).
"I did research on the extinction of the megalodon Chacharocles species as a basis for knowing the reasons why this species is extinct and its consequences for the environment or others," says Catalina Pimiento, head of the study.
The Pimiento research basically reprograms once again the extinction of megalodon and its relationship to the spread and evolution of other species that became its enemies. Loss of megalodon from the top of the food chain is predicted to bring changes to other predators in the oceans.
"Further research will investigate the extinction of megalodon as part of supporting the evolution of some species of whales," he continued.
The extinction of the shark species with a length of up to 6 meters is predicted to be similar to the extinction that threatens modern sharks, namely the change of marine biodiversity. As a result of environmental changes and the depletion of food, megalodon-believed megalodon can be up to 50 tons of size extinct.
"Recent predictions conclude when large aquatic animals have the greatest risk of extinction than other smaller aquatic animals, in fact, the risk is greater than other vertebrate animals," he added.
However, the extinction of the megalodon shark may be good for human survival. Because, with a giant body, plus teeth measuring up to 5 times larger than white sharks, megalodon is the biggest threat to humans who are exploring or playing in the ocean.