8 million years ago, Megalodon, the largest shark, preyed on a whale leading to its extinction 2.6 million years ago, influenced by changes in climate, food sources, and competition from other predators. The evolution and extinction of Megalodon shaped the marine ecosystem, paving the way for the rise of modern shark species and the evolution of larger whale species.
Insights
Megalodon, the largest shark in history, grew to immense size by feeding on high-calorie marine mammals like whales, dolphins, and seals, dominating the oceans for over 10 million years until its extinction 2.6 million years ago.
The extinction of Megalodon due to changes in the marine ecosystem allowed smaller predators like Great White Sharks to thrive, leading to the evolution of larger whale species such as the blue whale, highlighting the interconnected evolution of marine mammals and large predators over millions of years.