Megalodon tooth

Otodus megalodon

A serrated tooth from one of the largest predatory sharks ever known.

Neogene United States

Sample content • provenance shown broadly for demonstration

At a glance

Fast Facts

8 million years old

Neogene Period

Giant shark

United States

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The Story

Megalodon patrolled warm oceans long after the dinosaurs. Sharks continually replace their teeth, so teeth are the most common megalodon fossils and the main evidence scientists use to estimate the animal's size and feeding style.

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Where Does It Fit?

4.6 billion years ago

Today

Neogene Period

Coastal ocean • Body fossil

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