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Megalodon’s Diet Revealed: More Than Just Whales

5/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that the mighty Otodus megalodon, once believed to feast mainly on whales, had a surprisingly varied diet. By examining zinc isotopes in its fossilized teeth, researchers uncovered this prehistoric shark's role as an ecological generalist, shedding light on ancient marine ecosystems and the mysteries of extinction.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that the mighty Otodus megalodon, once believed to feast mainly on whales, had a surprisingly varied diet. By examining zinc isotopes in its fossilized teeth, researchers uncovered this prehistoric shark's role as an ecological generalist, shedding light on ancient marine ecosystems and the mysteries of extinction.