#carcharocles

[mesozoicmarket]

A fossilized shark tooth of an Otodus megalodon from the Luanda Formation in Cacuaco, Luanda, Angola. The teeth from these famous otodontid sharks can be found in Miocene to Pliocene aged deposits throughout the world. What is unusual about this tooth is the locale, though unfortunately, most of the root is missing and there is significant damage to the blade itself. The blade by itself has a slant height of around 3.5 inches. This old collection specimen like many other fossilized Angolan shark teeth was collected by a geologist working in the region decades ago.

[tff-praefectus]

Carcharocles auriculatus tooth

[rubynautilus]

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!"

"Fucking tourists."

@killzombieseatbacon bonk

[o-craven-canto]

Largest marine megafauna by taxonomic group: the sea-lily Seirocrinus (Jurassic) for invertebrates, the heterostracan Pycnosteus (Devonian) for jawless fish, Glyptaspis (Devonian) for placoderms, Leedsichthys (Jurassic) for bony fish, the "megalodon" shark Otodus or Carcharocles (Neogene) for cartilaginous fish, the early ichthyosaur Shonisaurus (Triassic) for reptiles, the penguin Anthropornis (Paleogene) for birds, and the early whale Perucetus (Paleogene) for mammals. Also honorable mention of the stem-arthropods Anomalocaris and Amplectobelua as the first meter-sized motile animals ever.

From The extinct marine megafauna of the Phanerozoic, C. Pimiento et al., 2024 (link).

(EDIT: Interesting that, despite their taxonomic diversity and up to 200 millions of years of distance, Shonisaurus, Leedsichthys, Perucetus, and Otodus converged on more or less the same size. Presumably, that's as big as a carnivorous aquatic vertebrate can physically get.)

[hidden-but]

I use Scite because it gives me a quick and easy to navigate overview of which articles cite which articles and if it's in Intro or Methodology or whatever, but they have this ~~AI Assistant~~ which can allegedly help you answer scientific questions based on searching through scientific publications, and I check it from time to time and yeah, it has all the shortcomings of LLM being bullshit generator just like all the others (just with references). Let me show you:

I was listenting to a podcast on whale falls and some evolution of this sort of deep sea organisms (they were different animals living on ichtiosaur falls, because the current bone eating osedax worms haven't evolved yet.) So, I was interested if there was any fossil of a dead megalodon in the process of decomposition like that.

this is how it looked up stuff:

This is the full reply:

While there are no direct fossil records linking the presence of megalodon (*Carcharocles megalodon*) with bone-eating worms known as *Osedax*, the understanding of whale-fall communities provides a relevant context. Whale falls create unique ecosystems that can involve various organisms, including these specialized bone-eating worms. The fossil record demonstrates that unique ecological relationships can emerge at these sites, where organisms like *Osedax* thrive on the nutrient-rich remains of large marine animals that have died and sunk to the ocean floor. The relationship between megalodon and such communities is suggested through the known predation of megalodon on large marine mammals, which would eventually become whale falls. Evidence in the fossil record shows that *C. megalodon* likely preyed on dolphins and baleen whales (Kast et al., 2022). Hence, when these large animals died, they could have potentially served as substrates for *Osedax* colonization, similar to observations made in whale-fall studies (Smith et al., 2015; Vrijenhoek et al., 2009). *Osedax* shows a remarkable prevalence in whale falls, indicating that they are highly adapted to such environments where they feed on bone collagen via root-like structures that penetrate the bones (Verna et al., 2010; Higgs et al., 2014). This specific feeding mechanism has been noted not just in recent whale falls but has also been observed in fossilized shallow marine environments (Rouse et al., 2011; Verna et al., 2010). The *Osedax* worms are believed to have existed as far back as the Cretaceous, suggesting that if large marine mammals became part of the fossil record after being preyed upon by megalodons, *Osedax* could have inhabited their remains (Vrijenhoek et al., 2009; Kiel & Goedert, 2006). In conclusion, while no specific megalodon fall fossil featuring *Osedax* remains has been identified in the literature, the ecological dynamics at play in whale-fall environments suggest a plausible occurrence. As such interactions are characteristic of deep-sea ecosystems, where large organic matter episodically supports diverse life forms, it is logical to hypothesize that this relationship could potentially include megalodon-related falls and subsequent colonization by bone-eating worms.

Let's have a look how it bullshits its way through the answer, because I think this example makes it really clear.

"While there are no direct fossil records linking the presence of megalodon (*Carcharocles megalodon*) with bone-eating worms known as *Osedax*, " - this part is actually relevant to my question, even though I was asking about any bone-eating worms, not just osedax.

"Whale falls create unique ecosystems that can involve various organisms, including these specialized bone-eating worms. The fossil record demonstrates that unique ecological relationships can emerge at these sites, where organisms like *Osedax* thrive on the nutrient-rich remains of large marine animals that have died and sunk to the ocean floor." This is pure bullshit generated based on the statistical analysis of words close to "bone worms" in a sentence. Also, I wasn't asking about the worms.

"The relationship between megalodon and such communities is suggested through the known predation of megalodon on large marine mammals, which would eventually become whale falls. " Statistics! Megalodon was eating whales, whales make whale falls, therefore it must be relevant to the query (it's not).

"Evidence in the fossil record shows that *C. megalodon* likely preyed on dolphins and baleen whales (Kast et al., 2022). Hence, when these large animals died, they could have potentially served as substrates for *Osedax* colonization, similar to observations made in whale-fall studies (Smith et al., 2015; Vrijenhoek et al., 2009)." This is the same point like in the previous sentence, just with references, and therefore the same sort of unconnected bullshit.

"*Osedax* shows a remarkable prevalence in whale falls, indicating that they are highly adapted to such environments where they feed on bone collagen via root-like structures that penetrate the bones (Verna et al., 2010; Higgs et al., 2014). This specific feeding mechanism has been noted not just in recent whale falls but has also been observed in fossilized shallow marine environments (Rouse et al., 2011; Verna et al., 2010)." I wasn't asking about the worms, mate, but nice of you to notice they are sometimes used in the same paragraph as something fossil. Bonus: I checked the Rouse (2011) and Verna (2010) references and they examined modern communities, not fossil ones.

"The *Osedax* worms are believed to have existed as far back as the Cretaceous," oh look, a piece of information that is actually relevant to my question, pity this is generated and not actually cited.

"suggesting that if large marine mammals became part of the fossil record after being preyed upon by megalodons, *Osedax* could have inhabited their remains (Vrijenhoek et al., 2009; Kiel & Goedert, 2006). " dude, I'm not asking about mammals becoming a part of fossil record, no matter who chewed on them.

"In conclusion, while no specific megalodon fall fossil featuring *Osedax* remains has been identified in the literature," yet again, we get to the vicinity of an actual answer to my question ...

"the ecological dynamics at play in whale-fall environments suggest a plausible occurrence. " This is the part of the conclusion, where the writer summs up their findings. The problem with this LLM generated chunk of text is that nothing that it presented in the previous paragraphs actually shows this.

"As such interactions are characteristic of deep-sea ecosystems, " and here we have yet another problem with LLM generated text - limited interconnectedness between senteces. What exactly are the "such interactions" refering to here? "the ecological dynamics at play"? and where are these exactly? the interactions of worms and whale falls? That's not actually much of an interaction. The interactions between a different organisms in different stages of a (whale) fall community makes more logical sense in the grand scheme of things, but no such thing has been mentioned anywhere in the text - and neither it's relevant to the question asked.

"it is logical to hypothesize that this relationship could potentially include megalodon-related falls and subsequent colonization by bone-eating worms." Logical to hypothetize is such a bullshit phase unless you're a logic-driven sci-fi character.

-----

In conclusion:

A quick search did not show any Megalodon fall fossils, so they probably haven't been found, but it's likely that some sort of bone-eating worms existed at the same time as Megalodon.

Please don't use LLM to write stuff for you, because a) all you're gonna get is more-or-less plausible sounding bullshit and b) why should anyone be bother to read something you can't be bothered to write.

PS:

... so while bone worms were alive and eating bones of deadfall of basically anything (pictuture from ref 39) ...

... megalodon doesn't actually have bones, because it's a shark not a bony fish...

... so the dynamics of a megalodon deadfall environment is going to be different when it comes to stuff beyond flesh and organs and it's also no wonder there are no fossils of it.

[drhoz]

#2779 - Otodus angustidens - Megatooth Shark

A very large extinct shark from the Late Eocene and Miocene epochs (34 to 21 million years ago). Related to the famous Megalodon.

You may have noticed that the label says Carcharodon angustidens. That's because the prehistoric shark researchers currently disagree where the lines should be between Otodus, Carcharocles, and Carcharodon.

It doesn't help that shark fossils are mostly limited to loose teeth and the occasional vertebral centra, so we have a limited idea of the exact size and shape of most extinct sharks. This one had teeth just shy of 10cm, and may have been 9.3 m (31 ft) in length. Even larger teeth from elsewhere imply a body length of 11–12 metres (36–39 ft). The largest known Great White is 5.83 m (19.1 ft).

The Megatooth Sharks had a very wide geographic distribution, and likewise their diet was Anything They Want To.

University of Otago Geology Museum, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand.

[futuristicsandwichcloud]

Carcharocles Megalodon

[drownedsilverforever]

blake(snow on mt. Silver) and dark Link as sirens/merfolk

yes, just yes for Blake, cause I feel like Blake would give orca vibes if he was a siren since personally I headcanon him as transgender(ftm) his tail would be 16 – 26ft. Long(trans-masculine)since Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the largest dolphins and apex predators with no natural enemies. They are known for their black and white coloring and are highly intelligent, able to coordinate hunting strategies. Orcas can grow to 9.8 meters long and weigh up to 5,500 kg, with males being larger than females. Male orcas have the largest dorsal fin of any marine mammal, reaching up to 1.8 meters tall, he would be taller then girls but would have the same dorsal fin as female orcas would, personally I see him as an heir of royal bloodlines, the future monarch of a frozen Atlantic kingdom below the freezing depths that are below 0° yet he is able to survive, let alone live in the Arctic Ocean since orcas are most common in cold, temperate waters

Dark Link’s fishtail would 100% be a mix between the Megalodon and the Livyatan since Livyatan melvillei, also known as Livyatan, was a giant sperm whale that lived in the Miocene epoch, around 12 million years ago. The name "Livyatan" comes from the biblical sea monster Leviathan, and the species name honors Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick. Livyatan was the apex predator of its time, with only the megalodon shark as a comparable threat and the Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon), also known as megatooth, was a giant mackerel shark that lived from 23 to 3.6 million years ago. It was the largest shark and one of the biggest fish to ever exist, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet, or the size of a boxcar. Megalodon had a powerful bite and jaws that could open wide enough to swallow two adults standing side by side. Its teeth were as large as an adult human's hand and could grow up to 18 centimeters long. He would be twice as threat with only his love(Blake)being the only one that can keep his aggression at bay (my hc is that Blake and dark link are both 20-23 years old, DON’T JUDGE-)

[cult-of-the-lamb-fan]

fun fact The word megalodon derives from Greek, meaning "giant tooth." The shark's full scientific name is Carcharocles megalodon.

woah cool

[watermelinoe]

the classification of megalodon and therefore its closest relative is somewhat contentious actually! it's generally accepted now that the megalodon belongs to the extinct otodontidae family (genus otodus) and not lamnidae (genus carcharodon or carcharocles), meaning it does not actually belong to the same family as the great white shark (carcharodon carcharias), though there are still proponents of the older model

you can typically only find meg teeth like these only by diving for them unless you get really lucky at the beach after a storm, but smaller samples can be found inland if you know where to dig ;)

the u.s. east coast is a fossil hunter's paradise, and florida in particular is thought by some to be the best source of pleistocene fossils in the world

The Titanoboa, is a 48ft long snake dating from around 60-58million years ago. It had a rib cage 2ft wide, allowing it to eat whole crocodiles, and surrounding the ribcage were muscles so powerful that it could crush a rhino. Titanoboa was so big it couldn’t even spend long amounts of time on land, because the force of gravity acting on it would cause it to suffocate under its own weight.

[uk-fossils]

3.5" Megalodon Shark Tooth Fossil – Miocene – Indonesia – Authentic Specimen

This listing features a stunning 3.5-inch fossilised Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) tooth from the Miocene Epoch (~23-5 million years ago), found in Indonesia. This impressive specimen belonged to one of the largest predatory sharks to have ever lived, making it a highly sought-after fossil for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Fossil Information:

Species: Carcharocles megalodon

Fossil Type: Tooth

Geological Period: Miocene (~23-5 million years ago)

Location: Indonesia

Size: 3.5 inches (See scale reference in photos)

Preservation: Excellent enamel detail with well-preserved serrations

Key Features:

✔ 100% Genuine Megalodon Fossil – No Repairs or Restorations

✔ Iconic Fossil from the World's Largest Shark

✔ High-Quality Tooth with Natural Preservation

✔ Perfect for Collectors, Display, or Study

Authenticity & Certification:

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photos is the exact specimen you will receive.

Scientific & Historical Significance:

The Megalodon was the largest shark species to have ever lived, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet (18 meters). With massive serrated teeth designed for crushing bone, this apex predator dominated the prehistoric oceans for millions of years. Megalodon teeth are among the most iconic and collectable fossils worldwide due to their sheer size and evolutionary significance.

Why Buy From Us?

This Megalodon tooth is part of the Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest and most respected fossil collections in the world. We specialise in high-quality, authentic fossils, ensuring that every specimen is carefully selected for its scientific and display value.

Own a piece of prehistoric history from one of the ocean’s most fearsome predators. A fantastic addition to any fossil collection!

[mesozoicmarket]

A worn fossilized shark tooth of an Otodus sokolovi from the Samlat Formation in Dakhla, Morocco. This lesser known species of Otodus is sometimes synonomized with Otodus auriculatus, and represents a transitional form between it and Otodus angustidens.

[tff-praefectus]

Carcharocles auriculatus

[nyastyaraspurrtina]

a basking shark. a fucking basking shark. edward guimont i have nothing but respect for you but learning about people on tiktok misidentify a BASKING SHARK as CARCHAROCLES MEGALODON makes me want to cry.

[billiekaysworld]

Traduction du français vers l'espagnol de l'article Le mégalodon, plus grand prédateur marin connu, n’a finalement pas ressemblé au requin blanc, selon une étude du journal Libération

Página principal/Ciencias/Arqueología

Ciencias

Al final, el megalodón, el mayor depredador marino conocido, no pareciéndose al jaquetón blanco, según un estudio

El debate queda abierto entre los investigadores a propósito de su aspecto y tamaño, estimados entre 15 y 20 metros de longitud. Un estudio publicado el lunes 22 de enero le atribuye el aspecto de un tiburón mako y no de un jaquetón blanco.

El megalodón se habría parecido más a un marrajo que a un tiburón blanco. (Richard Robinson/Cultura Creative. AFP)

por Sascha Garcia y AFP

publicado el 22 de enero de 2024 a las 11h37

Un temible depredador marino con grandes dientes y un lado impresionante… Pero quizá no tan grande como se imaginaba. Un estudio, publicado este lunes 22 de enero en la revista Palaeontologia Electronica, describe al megalodón, una de las mayores criaturas marinas que han existido, como más delgado de lo que se había representado hasta ahora.

El megalodón, cuyo nombre científico es Carcharocles megalodon, desapareció de los océanos hace 3,6 millones de años, y muchos investigadores siguen intentando reconstruir su aspecto y tamaño, estimado entre 15 y 20 metros de longitud, a partir de los escasos restos disponibles. Este margen de error se explica por el escaso número de fósiles que quedan, dientes incompletos y conjuntos de vértebras.

Similar al tiburón Mako

“Nuestro equipo reexaminó el registro fósil y descubrió que el Megalodón era mucho más delgado”, de lo que se pensaba, dijo el biólogo Phillip Sternes, de la Universidad de California en Riverside, en un comunicado. “No obstante, habría sido un depredador asombroso, en la cima de la cadena alimentaria marina”, añadió el autor principal del estudio. En lugar del impresionante lado del jaquetón blanco, el animal habría tenido el aspecto del actual tiburón mako, mucho más esbelto. Basándose en este nuevo análisis, los investigadores le atribuyen un comportamiento muy específico. No habría necesitado cazar muy a menudo debido a su larguísimo tracto digestivo, acorde con su gran tamaño.

Este aspecto también podría haber resultado una desventaja cuando llegaron depredadores más fornidos, pero también más rápidos que él. Según Kenshu Shimada, paleo-biólogo de la Universidad DePaul de Chicago y coautor del estudio, el megalodón “podría no haber sido un nadador potente” en comparación con el jaquetón blanco. Aunque una de las teorías que explican la extinción del megalodón se basa en la escasez de sus presas, ahora los investigadores estadounidenses plantean otra hipótesis. “Una combinación de factores llevó a su extinción, pero uno de ellos pudo ser la aparición del jaquetón blanco, que quizá era más ágil y, por tanto, mejor depredador que el Megalodón”, explica Phillip Sternes.

En última instancia, para tener una representación exacta de la verdadera forma de este animal, habría que hacerse con un esqueleto más completo que los escasos elementos de que disponen los paleontólogos. Kenshu Shimada es más poético: “El hecho de que no sepamos exactamente cómo era el Carcharocles megalodon da rienda suelta a la imaginación.” Cada uno puede imaginar cómo podría haber sido este terrorífico monstruo marino.

Referencia:

ES · ¡Hola a todos! La traducción de esta semana se refiere a un artículo sobre la posible forma del megalodón, un animal que me fascina y me aterroriza… ¡Disfruten de la lectura!

FR · Bonjour tout le monde ! La traduction de cette semaine porte sur un article consacré à la potentielle forme qu'avait le mégalodon, un animal qui me fascine et me terrifie à la fois… Bonne lecture !

[me31]

Carcharocles megalodon - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre