Media Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
(352) 273-2054
pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Oct. 4-Jan. 4, 2015
Major Themes and Components
Enter at Your Own Risk!
Megalodon, a dominant marine predator for 15 million years before vanishing 2 million years
ago, provides lessons for shark conservation today. Enter the shark to begin exploring. Touch
a full set of 46 Megalodon teeth and learn why scientists still debate the shark’s size. Turn a
wheel with vertebrae to magnify and count growth rings to estimate the shark’s age.
All About Megalodon
What did the giant shark eat? When and where did it live? Megalodon was the top predator of
its time. Calculate the volume of tuna cans that represents its average daily meal. Compare
Megalodon’s time on earth to dinosaurs, humans and other animals, and see fossils of some
of Megalodon’s neighbors. Touch Megalodon teeth from around the world and use buttons to
locate where these fossils were found on a world map.
Megalodon’s Extended Family
Megalodon belongs to a group of giants called megatoothed sharks, all now extinct. Discover
when each species lived and see the diversity of their tooth shapes and sizes. Learn about
Megalodon’s closest relatives: mackerel sharks, which include the modern great white and
mako. View models of some of the curious early sharks of 400 million years ago and the
specimens that give scientists clues. See specimens of the three fish most closely related to
sharks and view six full-scale models, including a 16-foot great white.
Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum has one of the most active shark research programs in the world. Learn
about recent Megalodon research conducted by the Florida Museum such as the discovery of
an ancient Megalodon nursery and view recently excavated fossils from Panama.
Megalomania!
Megalodon continues to fascinate, elevating it to near cult status. From biker jackets to
postage stamps, the exhibition explores the many ways Megalodon remains a part of human
culture through art, literature, music and film.
“Sharkabet: A Sea of Sharks From A to Z”
The whimsical exhibition “Sharkabet” showcases paintings by artist Ray Troll of different
extinct and living shark species for each letter of the alphabet. The exhibit was produced by
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.
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