Based on analysis of tooth enamel from the ancient shark, the findings might help explain why it went extinct 3.6 million years ago. According to the study – which was published in the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences journal – the amount of energy the megalodon used to stay warm could have contributed to its extinction.

“Studying the driving factors behind the extinction of a highly successful predatory shark like megalodon can provide insight into the vulnerability of large marine predators in modern ocean ecosystems experiencing the effects of ongoing climate change.”

The Centre for Diverse Leadership in Science explained: “Maintaining an energy level that would allow for megalodon’s elevated body temperature would require a voracious appetite that may not have been sustainable in a time of changing marine ecosystem balances when it may have even had to compete against newcomers such as the great white shark.”

Whatever the reason for their extinction, is it bad to be glad they’re not around anymore?

[source:ladbible]