What's the biggest shark that ever lived?
Mystery Science・5 minutes read
Scientists face challenges in determining the largest shark species using tools like video cameras to measure sharks accurately, including extinct species like the megalodon which could have grown up to 60 feet in length.
Insights
- Scientists face challenges in determining the largest shark species due to the diverse range of sharks in the ocean, making measurement complex and demanding.
- To estimate the size of extinct sharks like the megalodon, scientists rely on studying their teeth, as these ancient creatures lacked intact skeletons, potentially growing up to an impressive 60 feet long, establishing them as the largest sharks in history.
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Recent questions
How do scientists measure sharks?
Using video cameras attached to computers.
Why is measuring sharks challenging?
Due to the vast variety of sharks.
What is the largest shark species?
Whale shark.
How do scientists estimate the size of extinct sharks?
By studying their teeth.
What challenges do scientists face when measuring sharks?
Difficulty with large and powerful species.
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Summary
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Determining the Largest Shark: A Scientific Challenge
- Scientists struggle to determine the largest shark due to the vast variety of sharks in the ocean, making measurement challenging.
- Capturing and measuring sharks is one method used, but it can be difficult, especially with large and powerful species like the great white shark.
- Special tools like video cameras attached to computers have been developed to accurately measure sharks as they swim by, allowing for the measurement of even larger species like the whale shark.
- Scientists estimate the size of extinct sharks, like the megalodon, by studying their teeth since their soft cartilage bodies do not leave behind intact skeletons, suggesting the megalodon could have grown up to 60 feet long, making it the largest shark to have ever lived.
