Bizarre conspiracy theory 60-foot prehistoric megalodon shark is still alive

In response to rampant conspiracy theories circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, a scientist has firmly dismissed claims that the massive and extinct megalodon shark continues to roam the ocean.

The megalodon, once the apex predator in waters worldwide approximately 20 million to 3.6 million years ago, has sparked wild speculation about its survival.

Jack Cooper, a doctoral student specializing in marine diversity at Swansea University, unequivocally refuted the notion.

He stated, "Any suggestion that megalodon potentially still exists in unexplored ocean regions is complete nonsense based on not a shred of credible evidence," in an interview with Live Science.

Cooper explained that megalodons predominantly inhabited coastal areas where they would have been easily observable.

A scientist from Swansea University has debunked the widespread conspiracy theory that the gigantic megalodon shark is still alive today (Getty Images)

Their existence would have had a tremendous impact on the marine food chain, making their presence unmistakable.

Their extinction, in fact, paved the way for the development of many contemporary oceanic species.

"After megalodon went extinct, whales, one of their key prey items, got even bigger with nothing around to eat them," Cooper added: "Some of the biggest marine mammals today, like the blue whale, only evolved after megalodon went extinct."

With an estimated length reaching up to 60 feet (18 meters) or more, the megalodon was significantly larger than modern-day sharks (Getty Images)

Suggestions that megalodons may be hiding in unexplored, deep sections of the ocean, such as the Mariana Trench, were also refuted by Cooper.

He pointed out that such environments would be entirely unsuitable for an apex predator of such colossal size.

The scientist emphasized that these areas mainly host microscopic prey, which would not provide the substantial sustenance required by megalodons to fuel their massive bodies.

The megalodon's speculated extinction is believed to have been a result of climate changes that led to a decline in available prey for the sharks.

Nevertheless, discoveries of megalodon bones continue to be made.

Just recently, a diver found a tooth measuring six inches in length off the coast of Florida, adding to the ongoing fascination surrounding this ancient marine giant.