The World’s First Preserved Megalodon Tooth Found by Scientists
Researchers at the University of Wyoming have made an exciting discovery – the fully preserved tooth of the extinct giant sea monster Megalodon, in its natural underwater environment. This is the first time such a specimen has been found in the depths of the sea, rather than in seafloor sediments.
The 3.5-million-year-old tooth was identified more than 10,000 feet below the North Pacific near Hawaii, on a seamount. What makes this discovery particularly significant is that the tooth was only partially fossilized, allowing scientists to observe exquisite details of the enamel and spongy structure inside the tooth that have never been seen before.
The discovery was actually made by accident, as scientists were using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to study deep-sea geology and biology. When the ROV reached the seamount, the tooth was found exposed and intact among the rocks. The serrated cutting edges of the tooth were still intact, indicating that it had not separated from the surrounding rocks and tumbled into the ocean before being found.
This find contradicts the common assumption that Megalodons lived far out in the open ocean. Instead, the presence of irregular edges and the intact structure of the tooth suggest that these prehistoric sharks actually lived closer to the coast. This is supported by past studies which have found the remains of Megalodons in coastal rock formations.
The discovery of this fully preserved Megalodon tooth has provided scientists with a wealth of new information about these ancient creatures, and has sparked renewed interest in studying their natural environments. With further research and exploration, we may be able to uncover even more about the lives of these fascinating sea monsters. Follow NTV on social media for more exciting discoveries in the world of science and paleontology.
