The megalodon shark is a massive oceanic animal that existed at least 28 million years ago until it became extinct around 1.5 million years ago.
These sharks were believed to hunt other smaller sharks, giant turtles, and marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.
From the information that was gathered about these sharks, it is believed that the Megalodon was able to reach lengths of up to 60 ft. long and was equipped with sharp, deadly teeth that could grow to lengths of over 7 inches long, making them one of the most lethal predators against dolphins and whales.
The estimated weight of the Megalodon shark ranges from 60 tons to 115 tons.
These sharks are so large that they could easily swallow a person whole if they existed today.
Although these sharks were massive, they did not appear to frequent cool waters, making them less likely to attack animals in or near these environments.
Originally it was thought that these beasts could grow to lengths of up to 98 ft.
However, additional research has created estimates closer to 45 – 60 ft. long.
Since these aquatic animals belong to the shark species, they obtain oxygen through their gills.
However, unlike other shark species that lay eggs externally, the megalodon shark appeared to give birth to its young.
If the Megalodon Shark were alive today, it is doubtful that any whale or dolphin would be much of a threat or challenge to these animals, except perhaps the killer whale.
At lengths of up to 60 ft. long, the Megalodon would be twice as large as the killer whale (one of the only cetaceans known to hunt and kill sharks and other marine mammals).
If the killer whale were to have an advantage over the Megalodon shark, it would be because these dolphins travel and hunt together in large packs and are known to use clever hunting techniques to avoid being injured while isolating and killing their prey.
The killer whale is quite clever in how it can wear out faster marine mammals to the point where they cannot escape or fight back.
This is often seen when a group of killer whales hunts a fast-moving dolphin.
Rather than chasing the dolphin all at once and running out of energy, the killer whales will space themselves apart and take turns chasing it until it cannot escape due to exhaustion.
In regards to hunting, sharks killer whales are known to distract them and sneak up on them to flip them on their back, where they become paralyzed and unable to attack.
While they are aggressive and intelligent hunters, it is uncertain how they would approach the Megalodon if they were alive today. Still, the killer whale may stand a chance against these large predators.
From research and evidence collected on this species, it appears that these sharks were known for hunting a variety of Cetacea and were considered the apex predators of their time.
These giant sharks hunted other smaller sharks, fish, dugongs, sea turtles, and large whales as part of their primary/main diet, and it is believed that when food became scarce, they may have even hunted each other or other young megalodon sharks that were less protected and easier to capture.
Regarding why the Megalodon no longer exists, it is believed that these massive sharks became extinct due to shortages in their food supply. This eventually led adult Megalodon to hunt and kill one another for food, especially young and vulnerable Megalodon sharks.
Whether the Megalodon or Whale would dominate the ocean today, these massive sharks would likely win the battle with their long, sharp teeth and incredible crushing power.
Noteworthy Competitors
While the Megalodon was an apex predator, it was not impervious to being harmed.
At least one species of prehistoric whale was known to combat the Megalodon when attacked or threatened.
This marine mammal is known as the squalodon.
Squalodon
The squalodon is an extinct whale with a large beak with sharp serrated teeth.
These animals were noteworthy competitors because they appeared to have traveled in groups or pods and were pretty mobile.
When attacked by a megalodon shark, the squalodon is believed to have gathered together to defend itself and attack the Megalodon to injure and weaken it.
Old fossil records of Megalodon appear to show scarring from attacks made by squalodons.
Whether or not these attacks resulted in the direct or indirect death of the Megalodon is unknown; however, their ability to fight as a group made them much more of an effective unit when protecting themselves from megalodon attacks.
In addition to fighting in groups, the skull of the squalodon appears to show evidence of prehistoric echolocation, which may have helped these marine mammals identify incoming predators and coordinate attacks and defensive measures with other squalodons in their pod.
The reason for the squalodon becoming extinct is unknown. However, it is suggested that food competition from other marine mammals may have played a role in their extinction.
Unfortunately, little is known about other potential competitors that the Megalodon may have faced, as evidence and fossil records remain relatively scarce.
Modern Day Killer Whales
As stated earlier, the killer whale may have also been a worthy competitor due to their highly developed social structure and effective hunting methods.
As with the squalodon, the killer whale hunts with its pod and uses echolocation.
They are also very adaptive at learning and developing new hunting strategies when dealing with different types of prey.
Given their sophisticated behavior, it is possible that the Megalodon could become prey to the killer whale.
However, the Megalodon would likely emerge as the reigning champion in a one-on-one encounter.