Megalodons might have been even larger than we first thought, growing up to 80 feet long, a new study reveals.

Recent research led by paleobiologist Kenshu Shimada from DePaul University has significantly revised our understanding of the legendary megalodon, suggesting that this prehistoric shark could have reached up to 80 feet (24.3 meters) in length, 15 feet longer than prior estimates. This groundbreaking analysis, published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, utilized a novel approach by examining megalodon fossils and drawing comparisons with a wide array of both modern and extinct shark species. The study took into account a partial fossilized vertebral column from Belgium, estimating body proportions based on a detailed comparison involving 145 living and 20 extinct species of sharks. By applying their findings from the 36-foot spine, the researchers concluded that megalodons likely had a notably sleeker physique than the often-depicted bulky great white, likening their form more closely to that of today's lemon shark. This new depiction of megalodons moves away from the stocky image popularized by movies and media, highlighting them as streamlined predators capable of efficient swimming. Specifically, the researchers suggest that if megalodons shared body features with modern slim-bodied sharks, their measured head and tail proportions would lead to reassessing their overall size and shape. This efficiency in physical structure might explain how such large organisms could thrive in ancient ocean ecosystems, evidencing how size and form evolved in giant marine predators. In a striking revelation, the study also posited that today’s great white sharks might have contributed to the megalodon’s extinction approximately 5 million years ago, showcasing the ongoing ecological interactions that shaped the history of marine life. However, caution must be taken when interpreting these findings. Due to the scarcity of complete megalodon skeletons, many of the researchers' conclusions were drawn from partial remains, igniting discussions among paleontologists about the reliability of these projections. Critics of the study argue that assumptions made regarding vertebral proportions do not encompass the vast variability in shark anatomy and may not conclusively represent megalodon’s true form. In conclusion, while this study provides a fresh and potentially more accurate interpretation of the megalodon, it is imperative to remember that our understanding of this majestic creature remains incomplete. With each fossil discovery, researchers inch closer to unlocking the mysteries of the ocean's largest predator, yet the full picture of megalodon's anatomy and lifestyle continues to elude us. All these insights have been meticulously analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence, showcasing the intersection of technology and science in contemporary research.