At 60 feet long, Megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived and a dominant marine predator. Sharks are at risk today, with recent population declines attributed to humans. Though Megalodon vanished 2 million years ago, its fascinating story inspires lessons for science and shark conservation.
The Florida Museum of Natural History tells this remarkable story in its exciting new national traveling exhibition, "Megalodon: Largest
Shark that Ever Lived," on display through Jan. 6, 2008. The exhibition features a 60-foot-long walk-through sculpture and highlights the evolution,
biology and misconceptions regarding giant prehistoric sharks.
"The Megalodon exhibit gives us the chance to showcase current museum research and our extensive paleontology collections," said Florida Museum assistant director for exhibits Darcie MacMahon. "Who can imagine a 60-foot shark cruising all the world's oceans? The evolution and extinction of this giant beast capture our imaginations and inspire us to learn about shark evolution in general and the importance of shark conservation today."
As unique as Megalodon was, so too is the exhibition that tells the story of this enormous creature. The exhibition showcases both fossil and modern shark specimens as well as full-scale models from several collections. Visitors enter a full-size sculpture of Megalodon through massive jaws and discover this shark's history and the world it inhabited, including its size, structure, diet, lifespan, relatives, neighbors, evolution and extinction.
The longest known Megalodon tooth is 7.25 inches
"Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived" also provides details on improving the health of our oceans and survival of threatened species. Recent worldwide declines are attributed to commercial and sport overfishing. Scientists estimate humans kill 100 million sharks, skates and rays each year, and the life history of most shark species makes it difficult for populations to rebound. For those wondering why we need sharks, the Megalodon exhibition asks guests to consider the marine food web domino-effect caused by overfishing.
Another exhibition section describes how this animal continues to fascinate many, elevating Megalodon to near cult status. From biker jackets to postage stamps, the exhibition explains the many ways Megalodon remains a part of human culture through art, literature, music and film.
"Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived" was produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History with support from the National Science Foundation. Admission to this exhibition is free, though a donation is suggested.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how this exhibit was created by Florida Museum artisans
Download the Educator's Guide (PDF)
Get information on leasing the Megalodon exhibit
Learn more about Florida Museum shark research & the International Shark Attack File
- Megalodon vanished 2 million years ago, but when cruising the oceans, it was king.
- Megalodon had 46 front row teeth, 24 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower. Most sharks have at least six rows of teeth, so a Megalodon had about 276 teeth at any given time.
- Megalodon was about 60 feet long with a body mass of about 77 tons.
- Some scientists estimate that Megalodon ate about 2,500 pounds of food every day, including whales and other large fish.
- Megalodon lived throughout most of the ancient world's oceans, from 17 to 2 million years ago.
- Ancient people collected Megalodon teeth and traditional legends feature giant sharks.
- Megalodon may be extinct but it's still with us...starring in books and movies, on stamps and jewelry, and even in cartoons and video games.
- Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years.
- Sharks existed about 200 million years before dinosaurs.
- There are more than 375 species of sharks living today.
- Humans kill an estimated 100 million sharks, skates and rays every year.
- The life history of most shark species makes it difficult for populations to rebound.
- Shark overfishing has a domino effect in the marine food web.