TED-Ed: Why did Megalodon go extinct? | Jack Cooper and Catalina Pimiento

The video explores the life and extinction of the Megalodon, the largest shark to have ever lived. It discusses their physical characteristics, habitats, and diet, highlighting their role as apex predators. The extinction of Megalodons, around 3.5 million years ago, was influenced by climate change, habitat loss, and competition with other predators. Their disappearance had significant ecological impacts, altering marine ecosystems and allowing other species to thrive. Conservationists today aim to prevent similar fates for modern sharks.

What were the fossilized remains of Megalodons primarily composed of?

• Teeth and vertebrae

• Cartilaginous skeletons

• Bones and skulls

• Scales and fins

How did Megalodons compare in size to great white sharks?

• They were smaller than great whites

• They were about the same size as great whites

• They were twice as long as great whites

• They were three times longer than great whites

What type of environments did Megalodons inhabit during their reign?

• Freshwater lakes

• Various global marine environments

• Only deep ocean trenches

• Only tropical waters

What was a significant part of the Megalodon's diet?

• Small fish and crustaceans

• Large prey species and other predators

• Plankton and algae

• Coral and seaweed

What evidence suggests that Megalodons pursued live prey?

• Presence of healed bite marks on ancient cetaceans

• Ancient paintings depicting Megalodons hunting

• Discovery of Megalodon nests

• Fossilized remains of Megalodon eggs

What environmental change contributed to the extinction of Megalodons?

• Increase in ocean temperatures

• Formation of more glaciers and drop in sea levels

• Expansion of coral reefs

• Rise in volcanic activity

How did the extinction of Megalodons affect marine ecosystems?

• It disrupted nutrient transport and released animals from predatory pressure

• It led to a decrease in marine mammal sizes

• It caused a decline in oceanic plant life

• It resulted in the extinction of all marine predators