In addition to being the world’s largest fish, megalodon may have been the largest marine predator that has ever lived. (Basilosaurids and pliosaurs may have been just as large.) Megalodon was an apex predator, or top carnivore, in the marine environments it inhabited (see also keystone species).
What is the largest predator in history?
Based on CT scans of the recent bones, combined with previous fossils and drawings, the spinosaurus discovered was measured to be almost 50 feet in length, making it the largest known predatory dinosaur, larger even than the famed T. rex.
What was bigger than a Megalodon?
When it comes to size, the blue whale dwarfs even the largest megalodon estimates. It’s believed blue whales can reach a maximum length of 110 feet (34 meters) and weigh up to 200 tons (400,000 pounds!).
What could have killed a Megalodon?
Competition from other predators of marine mammals, such as macropredatory sperm whales which appeared in the Miocene, and killer whales and great white sharks in the Pliocene, may have also contributed to the decline and extinction of megalodon.
What animal could kill a Megalodon?
A new study has once again confirmed that this is not the case. Taking a fresh look at the fossil record, researchers are now proposing that this mega marine creature may have been killed off by none other than the modern great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).
What is the deadliest predator in the world?
Of all the species in the world, the largest—and most dangerous—is the saltwater crocodile. These ferocious killers can grow up to 23 feet in length, weigh more than a ton, and are known to kill hundreds each year, with crocodiles as a whole responsible for more human fatalities annually than sharks.
What animal has no predator?
Animals with no natural predators are called apex predators, because they sit at the top (or apex) of the food chain. The list is indefinite, but it includes lions, grizzly bears, crocodiles, giant constrictor snakes, wolves, sharks, electric eels, giant jellyfish, killer whales, polar bears, and — arguably — humans.
What’s bigger blue whale or Megalodon?
No, the blue whale is much bigger. Megalodon was up to 60 feet long, while blue whales are 80 to 100 feet long. Though extinct, a mature male Megalodon is estimated to have had a mass of about 80,000 lbs., The Blue Whale, with an adult mass of 110,000 – 330,000 lbs, would be significantly larger.
Which was bigger mosasaurus or Megalodon?
But according to a new study, it was smaller. So It was around 14.2-15.3 meters long, and possibly weighing 30 tons. Mosasaurus was longer than Megalodon so yeah. But many Megalodon fans say it’s not true, but since this is measured by scientists, this is likely the real size.
What hunted Megalodon?
Mature megalodons likely did not have any predators, but newly birthed and juvenile individuals may have been vulnerable to other large predatory sharks, such as great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran), whose ranges and nurseries are thought to have overlapped with those of megalodon from the end of the Miocene and …
Could the Megalodon still exist?
But could megalodon still exist? ‘No. It’s definitely not alive in the deep oceans, despite what the Discovery Channel has said in the past,’ notes Emma. … The sharks would leave telltale bite marks on other large marine animals, and their huge teeth would continue littering the ocean floors in their tens of thousands.
Can a mosasaurus kill a Megalodon?
While a similar length, the Megalodon had a much more robust body and huge jaws built for devouring whales and other large marine mammals. A Mosasaurus would not have been able to get its jaws around the much thicker body of the Megalodon. It would just take one catastrophic bite for the Megalodon to end the battle.
Could a Megalodon kill a blue whale?
Megalodon was potentially capable of taking on Blue Whales, but it is doubtful they’d go for something so large and tedious to kill, especially something 40 feet longer and far heavier, sort of like a lion going after an elephant. Besides, there was probably far better, far smaller whales to eat.
Who would win a megalodon or a killer whale?
While one on one a megalodon is completely superior to an orca, the orca pod hunts and fights on cooperation. The orcas will simply ram the megalodon on gills and circulate around it on three dimensions. Orcas are far more agile than megalodons, and the fish needs to concentrate on several enemies at one time.
What animal can kill an elephant?
Aside from humans, lions are the only predators powerful enough to kill an elephant. The males, being 50% heavier than the females, are especially suited to the task. It typically takes seven lionesses to kill an elephant, but just two males could do the same. Even a single male can overpower a young elephant.