The Ancients – Episode: Megalodon

Release Date: July 20, 2025
Host: Tristan Hughes
Guest: Professor John Long, Leading Prehistoric Shark Expert

Introduction to Megalodon

In this riveting episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes delves deep into the enigmatic world of Megalodon, the colossal prehistoric shark that has captivated human imagination for centuries. Continuing a special series on prehistoric sharks, Tristan welcomes back Professor John Long to explore the life, evolution, and ultimate extinction of this oceanic behemoth.

The Significance of Megalodon

Tristan Hughes [03:35]: "I think it is the greatest predator of all time. There's no dinosaur that even comes close to Megalodon in terms of size and sheer bite force and ability to be a carnivore."

Professor Long concurs, emphasizing Megalodon's unparalleled position as an apex predator, unmatched by any terrestrial dinosaur or marine creature in terms of dominance and physical prowess.

Evolutionary Lineage of Megalodon

Professor Long outlines the evolutionary journey from ancient sharks to the emergence of Megalodon:

• Jurassic Period: Introduction of modern sharks like the bullhead and horn sharks.
• Cretaceous Period: Rise of the Lamniformes, a group that includes modern white sharks and mako sharks. This period saw sharks regaining their size post the Permian-Triassic extinction.

Tristan Hughes [05:33]: Discusses how the decline of marine reptiles like mosasaurs paved the way for the dominance of large sharks, setting the stage for Megalodon's rise.

Discovery of Otodus obliquis and Megalodon's Ancestry

Professor Long shares insights from paleontologist David Ward's expedition in Kazakhstan, which uncovered fossil layers showing the transition from Otodus obliquis to Otodus axuaticus, marking the evolutionary path toward Megalodon.

Tristan Hughes [11:46]: "David was able to ascertain that the lowest layers had these sharp, pointed teeth without serrations. And then the layers above it, the serrations were just beginning to show along the edges, very fine crenulations."

This discovery highlights the gradual adaptation and increasing size of sharks leading to the formidable Megalodon.

Physical Characteristics of Megalodon

Contrary to popular media portrayals, Professor Long reveals that Megalodon was more slender and elongated than the bulky white sharks of today. Recent studies, including an analysis of vertebral columns from Belgium, suggest that Megalodon could reach lengths of up to 24-25 meters, featuring a more streamlined body and powerful tail.

Tristan Hughes [21:32]: "Megalodon was probably way bigger than we thought it was previously. Probably up to 24 or 25 meters in length, but more slender of build."

Additional findings indicate Megalodon had a slower swimming speed compared to modern white sharks, estimated at around 2 km/h, but compensated with explosive attack capabilities.

Hunting Strategies and Diet

Megalodon primarily targeted large marine mammals, such as whales, which provided ample energy through their high-fat content.

Tristan Hughes [23:34]: "They would have had a big, long, powerful tail and it would have been able to still catch whales. We know this for a fact because we find fossil whale vertebrae with Megalodon teeth stuck in them."

Isotopic analyses reveal that Megalodon's diet was rich in fatty substances, reinforcing the theory that marine mammals were its main prey.

Global Distribution and Ecosystem

Megalodon fossils have been discovered worldwide, indicating its presence across all major oceans during its reign from 23 to 3 million years ago. The Earth's continents remained largely unchanged from today's configuration, facilitating widespread oceanic habitats teeming with diverse marine life.

Tristan Hughes [27:22]: "The seas were full of a lot of food for Megalodon, but also a lot of other predatory sharks that were competing for the same resources."

This rich biodiversity ensured a competitive ecosystem, with Megalodon standing out as the top predator amidst a plethora of other large marine animals.

Extinction of Megalodon

Megalodon's extinction around 3 million years ago coincided with the end Pliocene megafaunal marine extinction event, driven primarily by climate cooling and the onset of ice ages. These environmental changes disrupted food chains, leading to the decline of marine megafauna that Megalodon depended on.

Tristan Hughes [35:49]: "The ocean started cooling at that point and it's the beginning of the ice ages where we get a succession of seven ice ages going into the Pleistocene period."

Additionally, the emergence of modern white sharks filled the ecological niche left vacant by Megalodon, ensuring the continuity of large predatory sharks in the oceans.

Human Interactions and Cultural Impact

Professor Long shares fascinating intersections between Megalodon and human history:

• Medieval Europe: Fossil shark teeth were used in jewelry called Natersungen or Adder's Teeth, believed to detect poison.

  Tristan Hughes [38:11]: "These beautiful jewelry teeth are called the Nattersungen, or Adder's teeth in German. They also have a French name, the Languier, and you can find them in museums around the world in Europe."

• Mayan Civilization: Megalodon teeth were offerings to deities, discovered in temples like Palenque, Mexico.

• Ancient Texts: Pliny the Elder referred to Megalodon teeth as Glossopetrae, attributing mystical properties to them.

These historical utilizations underscore the long-standing human fascination with Megalodon and its imposing presence in the prehistoric oceans.

Misconceptions and Modern Depictions

Despite advancements in paleontological research, popular media often misrepresents Megalodon as a giant white shark. Professor Long highlights recent findings that distinguish Megalodon from modern white sharks, emphasizing that they belong to entirely separate lineages.

Tristan Hughes [39:50]: "Based on the popular misconceptions of Megalodon as a giant white shark has just gone out the window of this recent slew of papers that have been published in the last year or so about the body shape and the scales and the morphology of the body and how it probably swam much more slowly than the living white sharks."

This clarification aims to rectify public perceptions shaped by movies and other media, presenting a more accurate scientific understanding of Megalodon.

Final Reflections and Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, Professor Long reflects on Megalodon's unique position in evolutionary history and its lasting legacy as one of Earth's most fearsome predators. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and public education to dispel myths and honor the true history of such magnificent creatures.

Tristan Hughes [43:34]: "It is called the Secret History of Sharks, the Rise of the Ocean's Most Fearsome Predators. And there's also the audiobook out which I narrated actually."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ancients offers a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of Megalodon, blending scientific rigor with engaging storytelling. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Megalodon's role in prehistoric ecosystems, its evolutionary journey, and the cultural imprints it left on human societies. Professor John Long's expertise provides invaluable insights, transforming our understanding of this legendary predator beyond its cinematic portrayal.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:35] Tristan Hughes: "I think it is the greatest predator of all time."
• [11:46] Tristan Hughes: "David was able to ascertain that the lowest layers had these sharp, pointed teeth without serrations."
• [21:32] Tristan Hughes: "Megalodon was probably way bigger than we thought it was previously."
• [27:22] Tristan Hughes: "The seas were full of a lot of food for Megalodon, but also a lot of other predatory sharks that were competing for the same resources."
• [35:49] Tristan Hughes: "The ocean started cooling at that point and it's the beginning of the ice ages."

For more detailed explorations of ancient history and prehistoric life, subscribe to The Ancients on Spotify or your preferred podcast platform.