Where Do Megalodon Teeth Come From?
If you’ve seen the movie “The Meg,” it probably left you with a lot more questions than answers. Are megalodons real? Where do megalodon teeth come from? Are they still around today? Instead of taking notes on megalodon fossils from Rainn Wilson, discover their true origins and history.
The History of Megalodons and Their Teeth
If you’re wondering if megalodons are real, you need to know their rich history. The earliest of these extinct shark fossils were previously known as Carcharodon or Carcharocles megalodons and date back twenty million years ago.
This extinct shark inhabited the vast ocean waters for about thirteen million years before going extinct just 2.6 million years ago. A couple of million years might seem like forever to you, but to put it in perspective, the first evidence of homo-sapiens (humans) was 2.5 million years ago.
Megalodon fossils have proved that they were the most gigantic shark, as well as the largest fish ever to live. These massive creatures could grow up to sixty feet! In comparison, most sharks today don’t reach more than about thirty or forty feet maximum.
The word megalodon really means “large tooth.” It’s not hard to imagine how they coined the name since megalodon teeth were about three times the size of present-day great white shark teeth. The largest tooth from the extinct shark measured about seven inches, while other shark species typically only span two to three.
Megalodons snacked on other large marine animals like whales, dolphins, and possibly other sharks. The extinct sharks would catch their prey by attacking the tails and flippers of the animals to keep them from swimming away. Their ferocious bite, which featured a whopping 276 serrated teeth, made it easy for them to rip flesh (Sorry for painting that creepy image in your mind.)
People are so interested in these extinct sharks and often wonder if megalodons are real since almost all fossil remains of megalodons come from their teeth. Since scientists have not discovered a complete skeleton of the species, megalodon teeth have been able to fill in the missing puzzle pieces. They used the size of their teeth to estimate how gigantic the extinct shark would have been.
Are Megalodons Really Extinct?
Before you lose sleep over the number of teeth in the megalodon’s 3.4-meter wide jaw, remember that they’re long gone from the ocean. It’s most likely that they either starved or were frozen into extinction. An investigation by scientists at Zurich University theorized that a scarcity of prey and competition with other predators caused them to go extinct. Others assume that they died off because of the Pleistocene Epoch, a period 2.6 million years ago, where glacial and interglacial climate cycles occurred.
Some people theorize that these extinct sharks could still be lurking in the ocean somewhere unknown. The thought is intriguing, albeit slightly terrifying, but it’s improbable. According to scientists, there is only a one percent chance that they could still be alive. Of course, we can never say never, right Justin Bieber? However, you don’t need to panic next time you’re taking a dip in the ocean.
Where Did Megalodons Live?
Megalodons resemble our traveling goals since they lived near six continents (sorry, Antarctica). During their prime time, these extinct sharks could survive anywhere that was warmer and subtropical. Baby megs would stick to the ocean’s shores, but they liked to move into the open ocean and towards coastal areas once they got older.
The most northern megalodon fossils have been discovered off the coast of Denmark and the most southern near New Zealand. Even though the extinct sharks have been gone for millions of years, their teeth are plentiful within the oceans. Questions about whether or not the megalodon is real can be dismissed when we consider how many fossils and artifacts people are still discovering today.
Collecting Megalodon Fossils from Around the World
Since this incredible creature is extinct, megalodon fossils are a collector’s dream. Megalodon teeth are precious; they hold such rich history and beauty. If you’re intrigued by extinct sharks, starting a shark tooth collection would be a terrific way to learn more about them and bring their essence into your life. When you travel, you can look for extinct shark teeth worldwide (unless you’re traveling to Antarctica, of course).
It’s fun to collect megalodon teeth from vacations and trips, but you don’t even have to leave your house to find ones you’ll love. You can shop, trade, and collect megalodon fossils online and get them shipped right to your front door.
Some of the best and most common places to find meg teeth in the United States are:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Florida
Megalodon Teeth in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its positive energy and relaxing vibes. Whaler’s Locker has a vast selection of megalodon teeth.
Some of the most beautiful teeth for your collection are:
- extra cute tooth
- six-inch polished megalodon fossil
- three-inch megalodon tooth
Extra Cute Tooth
If you want to show off your love for megalodons without a giant tooth taking over your work desk, this one would be perfect. The extra cute tooth is only 2 ¾ inches. This meg tooth is the ideal way to treat yourself or surprise a friend.
6-Inch Polished Megalodon Fossil
Perhaps you’re on the hunt for something that will stand out in your home. If so, this giant, six-inch megalodon tooth belongs in your collection. It’s so big, it might make you wonder, “are megalodons even real?”. This tooth shows off the variety in color meg teeth can have, ranging from black, grey, and blue. It will make a killer coffee table decoration or add a touch of personality at the office.