Where Did Megalodon Sharks Live And What Did They Eat?

Why did they go extinct? Initially, scientists believed a supernova exploded 150 light years from earth and the radiation changed the climate in a way that made it impossible for some marine life to survive. But in 2019, researchers found fossils that dated back to an earlier time, so the supernova theory was out (via Bright Side). Another theory was the megalodon preferred warmer temperatures, between 53-80 degrees, and they weren't as quick to adapt to colder temperatures as did their food sources. However, megalodon teeth have been found in waters as cold as 33 degrees Fahrenheit, so it seems they also may have been mesothermic — they could generate enough body heat to keep their blood warmer than their environment, without maintaining a consistent body temperature, says Live Science.

The prevailing theory is that they starved due to increased competition and decreasing food sources. The younger megalodons weren't capable of hunting for food on their own and became food for their bigger rivals. The mako, great white shark, and the tiger shark were faster than the megalodon and could dodge them. The rhamphosuchus, a prehistoric crocodile, and the leviathan whale rivaled the megalodon in size and weight, and they all fought over food and turf. According to another posting by Live Science, there are many theories. Maybe the megalodon became extinct due to a combination of the inability to adapt to climate change and the inability to find adequate food sources.

Shark Week airs July 11-18 on Discovery and discovery+.

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