Megalodon

Scientists estimate megalodon grew up to 15 to 18 metres (49 to 59 feet) long, which is about three times longer than the largest great white shark.31

Megalodon went extinct about 3.6 million years ago, at the end of the Pliocene epoch. The planet cooled, which reduced its habitat and food supply.31

Megalodon ate meat, mostly whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and other sharks. It was an apex predator that could bite through the chest of a whale.34

No, megalodon is extinct and has been for millions of years. The ocean is too cold now, and there is no evidence of a living megalodon.31

Megalodon teeth can be up to 18 centimetres (7 inches) tall, which is bigger than a human hand. The word megalodon means 'big tooth'.35

No, the largest blue whale is about 30 metres long, while megalodon was up to 24.3 metres. So blue whales are bigger.3

No, megalodon is not a dinosaur. It was a giant prehistoric shark that lived in the ocean, long after the dinosaurs died out.1

Up to about 18 km/h (11 mph) by one study, about as fast as a grown-up riding a bike. Most of the time it cruised much slower, about 2 to 5 km/h (1 to 3 mph), to save energy. It may have sped up in short bursts to catch prey.3

Megalodon lived in warm oceans all over the world, except near the poles. Its teeth have been found on every continent except Antarctica.35

Megalodon had one of the strongest bites ever, with a force of up to 182,200 newtons (40,960 pounds). That is powerful enough to crush a whale's bones.15