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

Model of Giant Megatooth Shark suspended over visitors at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Credit: © François Gohier/San Diego Natural History Museum

Megalodon Teeth

Two fossilized megalodon teeth, dating back more than 20 million years.

Credit: © Lollo Enstad/San Diego Natural History Museum

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 whorl of ancient shark.

Credit: © Chip Clark/Smithsonian Institution

Illustration of Helicoprion

Artistic rendering of the ancient shark Helicoprion that has since been proven incorrect.

Credit: © Mary Parrish/Smithsonian Institution

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

I know a lot about prehistoric things the megalodon was about 50 feet long and a dinosaur named carcharodontus had shark like teeth.

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