Megalodon lived in warm seas worldwide from about 16 to 3.6 million years ago (Miocene to early Pliocene). Fossilised teeth are found in marine sediments, rivers, and coastal deposits that were once part of ancient oceans.

Size:
Some teeth exceed 7 inches (≈18 cm) in length, with typical adult teeth around 4–5 inches (≈10–13 cm). Scientists estimate that the largest Megalodons may have reached up to 18 metres (≈60 ft) long.

Tooth Structure:
The tooth is broadly triangular with thick enamel, coarse serrations, and a strong root. Many teeth show a “bourlette,” a dark band at the base. These features allowed Megalodon to grip and slice large prey, including whales.

Feeding and Behaviour:
Megalodon was an apex predator. Its powerful jaws and constantly replaced teeth enabled it to hunt large marine animals efficiently. Fossilised bite marks on whale bones provide direct evidence of its feeding behaviour.

Fossilisation:
Over millions of years, the original tooth material was replaced by minerals, preserving the shape, serrations, and fine details of the original tooth.

Scientific Value:
Megalodon teeth help scientists study ancient oceans, predator-prey relationships, and the evolution of sharks. For the public, they provide a vivid glimpse of the immense size and power of prehistoric marine life.