While most contemporary sharks are ectothermic, their predecessors, the megalodons, were endothermic.
Fresh findings reveal that the megalodon's blood ran slightly hotter than the surrounding water, a highly unconventional trait among sharks.
Let's delve into the details.
The study on colossal ancient sharks
A team of researchers from UCLA, UC Merced, and William Paterson University has illuminated the megalodon, the largest-ever marine predator.
Through meticulous analysis of isotopes within the ancient shark's tooth enamel, scientists unearthed that the megalodon could uphold a body temperature roughly 13 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) warmer than its aquatic surroundings.
This distinction in temperature classifies the megalodon as a warm-blooded creature, setting it apart from its shark counterparts.
Climate change contributed to their extinction
The study proposes that the energy expenditure required to sustain such warmth played a role in the megalodon's demise, providing invaluable insights into the vulnerability of immense marine predators amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underscores the significance of studying extinct species to gain a better grasp of present and future environmental complexities.
