According to researchers, only five of the now-extinct Megalolamna paradoxodon shark's 2-inch long teeth have been recovered in Japan, Peru and North Carolina. If these fossils are to be based, it is perceived that the sea-thriving animal is around 12 feet long.
Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiologist at Chicago's DePaul University and lead author of the investigation, shares that it is astounding to note that very little is known about a large shark that has a wide geographic distribution.
It has been determined that the sea-faring predator survived during the Miocene epoch era around 20 million years ago. How the shark kept its existence under wraps is rather unusual considering the numerous of localities it lived for certain periods of time.
The journal Historical Biology reveals that the species name Paradoxodon, which actually means paradoxical teeth, has surfaced unexpectedly in the geologic chronicles. It is further observed that the shark's teeth resemble the enormous teeth of the genus Lamna which includes the modern porbeagle and salmon sharks.
Within the lines, however, is an unsolved 45-million year stretch mystery between the Megalolamna and its closest relative, the Otodus.
During the investigation, the fossils have been compared to the teeth of the Carcharocles megalodon which is considered the largest shark ever. This species can grow to about 59 feet or 10 meters long. Its bite is more deadly than a T-Rex. Considering that this group has managed to roam the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans for millions of years, it is quite shocking how the species vanished. With only some teeth, occasional vertebra and a few bite marks to study with, any appropriate revelation is only a distant guess.
Although the Paradoxodon and the Megalodon are classified under the extinct Otodontidae family of sharks, experts have placed the latter in a different lineage.
Shimada clarifies now that the two shark species are cousins and should be placed under genus Otodus.
Investigations show that the evolutionary narrative of other species has an effect on the development of the monster sharks. Climate change does not appear to have a heavy influence on the population of the giant sea-faring animals.
At the time the Megalodon has been dominant, many smaller marine species disappeared. With it the occupied range also shrinks. With other related genus emerging, stiff competition over scarce food resources eventually leads to extinction.
