Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 01/31/2016
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Megalodon is the largest shark that ever lived! Estimated to be approximately 60 feet in length, this formidable top predator occupied the world’s ancient oceans 17-2 million years ago. Megalodon consumed vast quantities of marine animals and likely contributed to the stability of ecosystems – as top predators do today. Understanding Megalodon’s life history is critical to improving our knowledge of evolution and living shark conservation.
Related to the modern great white and mako sharks, Megalodon was a dominant marine predator for 15 million years before vanishing 2 million years ago. Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived conveys current research findings of Florida Museum of Natural History paleontologists, and showcases both fossil and modern shark specimens and full-scale models from several collections. Be consumed with awe, walk away with respect!
Special Activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
- Touch Tanks – Get up close and personal with some sea creatures courtesy of the Aquarium Restaurant.
- Shark Adaptations – Discover how sharks have adapted to life under water and quickly became one of the ocean’s most infamous predators.
- Shark Scavenger Hunt – Can you find all the hidden sharks? Snag a worksheet and explore the Science Center to find clues to where the different species of sharks are hidden.
Dogfish Shark Dissection* – 12:30 p.m.
Join us at 12:30 p.m. as we take a closer look at what makes sharks so special. In this 60-minute lab, we will look at the external and internal features of a dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) using basic dissection techniques. Special attention will be paid to anatomical adaptations that are specific to sharks. Purchase your tickets in advance to save your spot in this lab!
*Lab cost: $10 per shark (Groups/families are allowed to work together on one shark. Limit 3 people per shark). Limited availability. Please note that tickets to this lab must be purchased in addition to a general admission ticket to the Adventure Science Center.
Exhibit highlights:
- If Shark Teeth Could Talk….
Shark teeth can identify the species, suggest body size and indic
ate prey or prey size. Touch a full set of 46 Megalodon teeth, and view real specimens showing tooth differences between upper and lower jaws, male and female sharks, and sharks’ unique system of tooth replacement. - Circle of Life
Growth rings are visible in shark vertebrae or “centra,” much like tree rings, and indicate a shark’s age at death. Turn a wheel with shark centra to magnify and count rings to estimate age. - Ancient Sharks
Sharks have been around for over 400 million years. View models of some of these curious early sharks and the specimens that give us clues.
- S
hark Tooth Study Center
Shark teeth are the most commonly collected fossils. Bring your own shark teeth or use those provided to compare to the species on display. Watch video of kids collecting fossil teeth in a Florida stream. - Megalodon Extinction
Several factors caused Megalodon’s extinction about 2 million years ago. Climate change and shifting food resources are part of the story. Learn about extinction and guess which of five modern animals are in danger of extinction today.
- Megalomania
Megalodon has intrigued people for thousands of y
ears, and still intrigues us today. View Megalodon teeth used by ancient Native Americans, and see modern books, clothing and jewelry inspired by Megalodon. - When Did Megalodon Live?
Megalodon lived from 17 to 2 million years ago when the world’s oceans were generally warmer. Compare Megalodon’s time on earth to dinosaurs, humans and other animals. See fossils of some of Megalodon’s neighbors. - Fact or Fiction?
There are plenty of common misconceptions about sharks. Compare Megalodon’s place in time to dinosaurs and humans, and learn how unlikely it is today to be attacked by a shark. - And more!
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.