Megalodon Sharks Vs. Great White

For many years, scientists have debated if the ancient Megalodon shark is an ancestor of the great white shark. While this fact still has not been proven, the two species share several commonalities. Both have similarly shaped teeth and jaws as well as similar eating habits. While the Megalodon's body nearly triples the great white shark's, both are most likely similarly shaped. All in all, the prehistoric shark seems to be a larger version of today's great white.

  1. Size

    • Scientists do not know the exact size of Megalodon sharks, because sharks' bodies are made of cartilage, not bone, which does not fossilize well. Megalodon teeth have been studied to determine the shark was probably around 40 feet long or longer. The great white shark averages 12 to 16 feet long, with the largest on record being 23 feet.

    Teeth

    • Both sharks have triangular, razor-sharp teeth with serrated edges. Great white teeth typically measure three inches high, while Megalodon's teeth come in at 6.5 inches high. These sharks both have teeth situated in several rows and use the first two rows to capture prey. New teeth rotate into place as older ones become worn down or broken.

    Jaws

    • While the exact shape of a Megalodon's jaws is unknown, scientists believe it had the same wide open jaws as a great white shark. Estimates suggest a Megalodon could open its jaws six feet wide and seven feet high. A Megalodon probably would have swallowed a great white shark whole with little trouble.

    Diet

    • Young great whites eat rays, fish and smaller sharks while adults eat sea lions, seals, small toothed whales and sea turtles. A large meal can keep a great white satisfied for up to two months. Megalodons most likely ate small whales. Both sharks tear their prey apart and swallow chunks whole, without chewing.

    Range

    • Great white sharks swim in temperate water, meaning the water is not too hot or too cold, and have been seen along many coastlines. They are commonly show up off the East Coast of the United States, from Alaska to California, and near Australia and New Zealand, South America and South Africa. Megalodon may have had similar swimming grounds. Teeth have been found in North America, South America, Europe, Oceania and India.

    Population

    • Megalodon are all extinct but scientist believed they lived during the period from 25 to 1.6 million years ago. Due to hunting, the great white shark population is declining, and several places now consider the shark a protected species including the United States, Australia and South Africa.