Scientists rethink the megalodon’s diet after examining minerals in their fossilized teeth

Minerals in fossilized megalodon teeth reveal the prehistoric predator may have been an opportunistic feeder, a new study says. (SOURCE: WMBF, WFTS, CNN)
Published: May 28, 2025 at 7:40 PM CDT
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(CNN) – A new study has found that the megalodon shark may have devoured both large and small prey alike.

Previously, it was believed the prehistoric predator only hunted large animals, like whales, to reach its required 100,000 calories per day.

However, after analyzing minerals in fossilized teeth, scientists said the massive shark may have hunted whatever was available in local waters.

The study also showed there were regional differences in the megalodon’s feeding habits

The research was published Monday in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.