Megalodon attack – compression fracture to the base of the tooth.

Examining fossil Megalodon teeth shows common types of damage associated with predation. The photographs below show the presence of compression fractures to the base of the tooth.

Whilst these are often attributed to the massive bite force exerted by Megalodon, it doesn’t make sense for an animal to damage its teeth during the course of normal feeding. It is noticeable these fractures appear to be more prevalent in upper teeth, which are designed to resist lateral forces and it is likely these fractures are the result of high impact attacks on boned prey animals. 

As such, these teeth represent a classic example of predator/prey interaction.

First stage of compression fracture (different views of same tooth)

Advanced stage of compression fracture (Photograph credit: Bill Eberlein¹)

Final stage of compression fracture

Posted: 19 February 2014.

References

¹Photograph posted in the Facebook group ‘Megalodon Teeth’ (February 2014). Courtesy of Bill Eberlein (www.megateeth.com).