Most Shark Paleonotogists presently tend to classify the Megalodon as a Large Mackeral Shark, but not directly related to the modern Great White(Carcharodon carchrias).
The Modern Great White, is actually part of the family of "broad-toothed" Makos. Which is actually a fairly young branch of the mackeral shark family(less than 30 myo).
While the Megalodon(Carcharoles megalodon), is thought to come from an older branch, of more basal mackeral sharks, possible closer related to salmon or probeagle sharks. And the Meg's direct line may date back more than 60 -70 myo.
Megs aren't Great Whites. And it's thought that Great Whites may have helped to cause the extinction of the Megalodon. Adult Great Whites may have out competed young Megs for their main source of food, (in this case small marine mammals, like seals, & sea lions). The less bulky Great Whites may have been faster, and able to catch them better.
The Modern Great White, is actually part of the family of "broad-toothed" Makos. Which is actually a fairly young branch of the mackeral shark family(less than 30 myo).
While the Megalodon(Carcharoles megalodon), is thought to come from an older branch, of more basal mackeral sharks, possible closer related to salmon or probeagle sharks. And the Meg's direct line may date back more than 60 -70 myo.
Megs aren't Great Whites. And it's thought that Great Whites may have helped to cause the extinction of the Megalodon. Adult Great Whites may have out competed young Megs for their main source of food, (in this case small marine mammals, like seals, & sea lions). The less bulky Great Whites may have been faster, and able to catch them better.
