The prehistoric giant known as Carcharocles Megalodon has been a relic of nature for centuries. When the first fossils were discovered in 1988, paleontologists were overwhelmed by the size of the creatures the fossils were displaying.

With massive jawlines and teeth larger than dinner plates, the Megalodon was one of the most dominant predators known in prehistoric oceans. As the pursuit of knowledge continues, more questions are answered regarding the nature of this massive shark that some believe could still be hiding in our oceans.

Using a new mathematical model called Optimal Linear Estimation, a team comprised of Switzerland’s Dr. Christopher Clements and the University of Florida’s Catalina Pimiento has been able to provide a time frame of the creature’s extinction.

The groundbreaking model determined that the shark when extinct 2.6 million years ago, a very short time with respect to prehistoric wildlife. The researchers claimed that their findings will prove the theory of the shark currently existing wrong on multiple levels. However there is much optimism regarding Optimal Linear Estimation and its prospects for future applications in paleontology.

Finally, the research suggests that the Megalodon was such a dominant predator that its extinction gave way to a whole wave of whale evolution. The team maintains the idea that various new whale species came to be and thrive with the disappearance of the Megalodon.

This research will make waves in the discipline of marine biology. Moving forward, paleontologists hope to connect various species of whale along with the development of new ecosystems to this time period.