Millions of years ago, the oceans were ruled by a surprising ‘terror beast’

The ancient shark that once ruled the oceans is believed to have been a species known as the "great white shark" or the "megalodon". This prehistoric shark was one of the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and weighing as much as 75 tons.

The megalodon lived during the late Cretaceous period, which ended around 66 million years ago. During this time, it was one of the top predators in the ocean, feeding on large prey such as whales, dolphins, and seals. The shark's powerful jaws and rows of sharp teeth allowed it to easily capture and consume its prey.

Despite their fearsome reputation, megalodons were not invincible. They faced a number of threats, including competition from other predators, changes in the ocean's environment, and the eventual extinction of the dinosaurs, which led to a decline in the availability of their primary prey.

Today, the great white shark is still a formidable predator, but it is much smaller than its ancient ancestors. It can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Despite their size, great white sharks are not considered a major threat to humans, with an average of just 5-10 attacks per year worldwide.