Shark Ancestors

Long before Great White Sharks appeared, much larger ancestors roamed the ocean. This giant ancient shark -- the Giant Megatooth (Carcharodon megalodon) -- was probably big enough to eat a whale.

Giant Megatooth Model

Photograph of the model of a Giant Megatooth Shark, taken from the front..

Giant Megatooth Model

CREDIT: © François Gohier/San Diego Natural History Museum

Teeth from Giant Megatooth

Teeth from Giant Megatooth:

Fossils of teeth from Giant Megatooth Shark

CREDIT: © Lollo Enstad/San Diego Natural History Museum

How big are Great White Sharks?

How big are Great White Sharks?:

Size comparison between humans, modern Great White Sharks and the ancient Giant Megatooth.

CREDIT: © Mary Parrish/Smithsonian Institution

Fossil tooth spiral

Fossil tooth spiral:

Fossil tooth whorl of ancient shark.

CREDIT: © Chip Clark/Smithsonian Institution

Illustration of Helicoprion

Illustration of Helicoprion:

Artistic rendering of an ancient shark.

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Ocean Portal by The Smithsonian Institution

Shark Ancestors

Giant Megatooth Model

Giant Megatooth Model

Teeth from Giant Megatooth

Teeth from Giant Megatooth:

How big are Great White Sharks?

How big are Great White Sharks?:

Fossil tooth spiral

Fossil tooth spiral:

Illustration of Helicoprion

Illustration of Helicoprion:

Share your comments here.

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