Greetings and Welcome to the Season 6 Finale of my Who Would Win Series and it is the highly anticipated clash of Prehistoric Sea Creatures.
Megalodon vs Livyatan, the Two most Dangerous Apex Predators of the Miocene-Pliocene Periods. Both lived in the same point of Earth's Long History, both hunted Whales to no End and Both Ruled the Seas together. However, in this blog, only one shall be declared the True King of the Seas.
This will be the First time when I won't go through Physical Stats. The Reason is because this match up is more of a Scientific and Realistic Scenario than a straight up Fictional Fight. For instance, Neither Megalodon nor Livyatan have any form of Superhuman (Or more fittingly, Super Animalistic) capabilities that defy Logic. So, the real kick here is that I breakdown each Predator's capabilities with a Twist which are
- Anatomy
- Hunting Methods
- Recorded Size and Biting Force
- Impact of Ecosystem
That's pretty much it. Yeah, this Blog is Simple but it will be unique as it goes on :D!!!!!
Let's Settle this debate once and for all. Time to take a "Bite" out of this Legendary Battle of Epic Proportions.
Megalodon
Otodus Megalodon, also know as "Big Tooth" is to date, the largest Predatory Fish that has ever lived.
An Apex Predator during the Early Miocene and later, the Pliocene Period, Megalodon hunted numerous Marine Creatures with a tremendous capacity for Hunger.
But most importantly, Megalodon was a "Whale Hunter". That's right, this Shark was so big, it hunted Whales!!!!!!! Thankfully, this Sea Monster is officially Extinct. Though to be clear, Megalodon's Extinction was the result of it's prey evolving to become faster, had faced stiff competition against Orcas (Killer Whales) and finally, the Ocean became cooler, too cold for the Monstrous Shark.
Despite it's downfall, the Megalodon is still one of Nature's most Fearsome Predators. Let's look at the Megalodon's Overall Capabilities
The Anatomy of Sharks
It is important to note that Megalodon is, well, A Shark. To be clear, specific Sharks do have their own Physical Traits such as Hammerheads with their T Shaped Head and Goblin Sharks having a Long Nostril.
Sharks have Cartilage Bone, Dorsal Fins, Tail Fin, More Fins for Locomotion, A huge Mouth, Heart, Brain and more internal Organs.
Megalodon However use to be more akin to a Great White Shark's Anatomy Though there is recent evidence to suggest that this may not be the case no more and more like a Huge Sand Tiger Shark.
Confusing? Yeah but why is that? Well the fact that the only form of Fossils we gathered from Megalodon are it's Teeth which means.............
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| Left: A Great White Shark's Tooth. Right: The George Hancock Killer, Megalodon's Teeth |
The Teeth of Megalodon are the stuff of Legend. 7 inches long, they are huge chompers that are powered up by Megalodon's Insane Bite Force (Coming up shortly). You think One Teeth is a Sight? Check this out
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| Jaws.......... Bruce the Shark is a Goldfish in Comparison |
Yep, a Large Row of 7 Inch long teeth would be a Nightmare to behold. These Teeth were so sharp, they can slice Flesh like butter. What a "Bite". And this is not even factoring the Bite Force. Which means........
Bite Force
The Bite Force of the Megalodon is Hands down, the Most Powerful in the Animal Kingdom. According to Scientists and Marine Biologists, Megalodon's Bite Force has been estimated to be around 41 000 Pounds......... To put this into Perspective, this Megashark is so powerful, it can crush a Small Car with just one Bite.........
Do you really think anything is gonna survive a Bite like that? I think there might be a candidate but your in for a very, very tall order if you underestimate Megalodon XD!!!!
The Bite Force of Megalodon can also go even higher since this estimation was more of a Standard Test, Realistically, a Megalodon's Bite Force solely depends on it's Energy and Size, which also means......
The Size of Megalodon
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| The Size of Two Megalodon's (Red and Grey) Compared to a Whale Shark (Purple) and Great White Shark (Green) with George Hancock at the bottom Left |
Scientists and Paleontologists, even Marine Biologists, Estimated the Size of Megalodon thanks to some cool techniques. They Measured the Teeth of Megalodon and then apply some reconstruction methods such as Weight and Size thanks to the length of their Teeth.
Ultimately, the general conclusion is that Megalodon was around 16-20 Meters in Length. However, they can grow bigger since sometimes, even in the present day, Animals tend to have a Rare Individual that can go 30% larger than the Standard Size. If that is the case.
30% More than 20 Meters= 26 Meters!!!!!
Yep, anything is possible with Megalodon at this point. This is the Ocean after all, so Animal Sizes can be very inconsistent at times ;)
Of Course, in terms of weight, Megalodon has been estimated to reach 70-100 tons worth of Weight. With 30% increase, that is 130........ A Shark that is heavier than even a small Building......... That's a sight to behold. Haha..... XD!!!!
Hunting Methods
Megalodon had quite a couple of ways it hunted. In terms of being Generalized, they Hunt their Prey on sight and wala, Dinner Time.
Though there are also some cool tricks. Megalodon can ambush their Prey by simply diving down, then strike from below and then CRUNCH!!!! Oooooh that would be fatal.
It is also worth noting that Sharks in general do have very keen Sensors on their Nostrils, giving them superb Tracking and even their Hearing is quite effective from long distances.
But a very unique twist here is that Sharks love Blood. Lots of Blood. In fact, there was a test on a Great White Shark when it detected a Single drop of Blood in an area that is the size of a Football Field........... That means, if Megalodon was alive today, it would sense that same drop of blood that in a area that is the size of a City!!!!! Damn that is scary!!!!! Don't Bleed in the Ocean, or your going to be Shark Chow!!!!
Weaknesses
While the Great Megashark does look like a Monster, the fact is, it isn't very intelligent. Yes it has very cool ways to hunt its prey but ultimately, it is an Animal. A Crafty animal, but nowhere near as intelligent as a Dolphin and a Whale.
Also, Megalodon's Size, while definitely big, is still up for discussion as of now. We do not really have a pinpoint estimate for it's Size simply because we only found it's Teeth. As mentioned before, we have attempted to estimate its size by measuring it's teeth alone, but this could be a double edged sword also.
For Instance, Megalodon might have a huge mouth, but then it might even look like this......
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| Awwwwww, I hope Megalodon actually looks like this!!! XD!! |
The Cute Shark: Ahhh Hello!!!!
Grandmaster: Ahhh hello there little one!!!!! Are you enjoying my Series so far?
The Cute Shark: I sure am, I hope you have a lovely day. Happy New Year Also Grandmaster!!!!
Grandmaster: Thank you, what is your name by the way?
The Cute Shark: My Name is............ Lenny :D!!!!!
The Grandmaster: Farewell Lenny!!!! I hope to see you once more!!! Happy New Year!!!!
Lenny: So long Grandmaster!!!!
(Lenny the Shark happily Swims away)
So I guess Lenny is not a weakness anymore? hahah.... So Adorable!!!!
(Onto the task at hand)
Megalodon does have another fatal flaw, if the Shark is somehow upside down, it will be momentarily stunned. However, this can also force them to sleep...... Sometimes though, Sharks can do this on their own terms anyway since some variety of sharks do this in order to have a nice nap time XD!!!!!
Finally, Megalodon's Skeletal Structure is made up of Cartilage. While quite tough, Cartilage is not as durable as Bone and it can be quite a Glass Cannon since Sufficient Force can impact on Megalodon's Body. This type of Cartilage is similar to what humans have inside their Ears.
Overall though, Megalodon remains to this day as one of Natures most Legendary Predator's.
Livyatan
Livyatan Melvillei is an Extinct Genus of Macroraptorial Sperm Whale that lived during the Miocene to the Pliocene Period.
One of the Apex Predators of it's time, this Gigantic Monster was so powerful, it puts Modern Day Sperm Whales to Shame with its Large Appetite and being far more dangerous than their modern day relatives... by eating not just Marine creatures but also Whales themselves!!!!!!
Of course, while this Legendary Beast is Majestic, sometimes, you gotta evolve...... Livyatan never managed to live long enough to see into the Present times (Quaternary Period)
Still, it goes without saying that this Legendary Whale would have been a sight to behold. The Real Life Moby Dick and probably Monstro's Long lost Ancestor (The Giant Whale from Pinocchio)
Let's look at the capabilities of Livyatan :D!!!!
The Anatomy of Livyatan and Sperm Whales
Unlile most Whales, The Sperm Whale, and, for this case, Livyatan, were Toothed Whales, thus, they actually do have identical Traits that make them super cool and super scary.
Whales Are very Large Marine Animals, the Biggest in terms of Size in the Animal Kingdom (Thanks to the Blue Whale of course hahaha, though it is not gonna matter in this blog since it's not a Toothed Whale XD!!!)
Whale's have Fins, Tail Fin, Huge Head, a Large Heart and even large Lungs alongside internal Organs.
These are especially important for Hunting (Coming up)
But most importantly, The Livyatan and Sperm Whales do have one major Advantage for them.... Intelligence. The Sperm Whale has the Largest Brain in the Animal Kingdom, which also means, they too can even "Communicate" with their own languages using Clicks. That's Right, when Sperm Whales actually Click, that means they are having a Conversation that is pretty much the same as humans having their own conversation. How cool is that!!!!!!
Since Livyatan is pretty much Identical with it's Anatomy to A Sperm Whale, it can pretty much scale perfectly to this level of Intelligence :D!!!
Eventually, "Toothed" Whales do have their, well, Teeth. This brings us to......
Livyatan's Teeth
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| Left to Right: T-Rex Teeth, Livyatan Teeth and Sperm Whale Teeth |
Livyatan's Teeth are by all intents and purposes, the largest Teeth in the Animal Kingdom. Like, these 14 inch long Teeth are basically Kitchen Knives. This...... Monster, is already looking like a very Scary Beast!!! But, you think that is enough, then check this out.
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| A row of 14 inch long teeth |
Yep. Say hello to this Beast when it clamps it's Jaws on you. You basically cannot escape it's grip when it clamps it's 14 inch long teeth onto you. It's like being impaled by small spears........ your already dead......... Kenshiro is gonna love this whale XD!!!!
Which means.......
Bite Force
Livyatan's Bite Force Mainly results in it simply clamping it's Chompers onto Prey rather than Brute Force. Though, it is estimated that it's Bite Force is around 2000 Pounds on a standard Level. Quite Intimidating!!!!!
The Size of Livyatan
The Size of Livyatan, unlike some Prehistoric Creatures and Dinosaurs, is actually quite easy to Calculate. They are around 16 meters in length, possibly going 18 meters when you factor in "Rare Individuals"
In terms of Weight, they are estimated to be around 50-60 tons of Weight. Quite a huge Beast :D!!!! I love this Whale!!!!
Hunting Methods
In terms of Hunting, Livyatan is actually a very well rounded Whale. It has teeth, it is huge, it can clamp its jaws on it's prey and wala :D!!!
Though there are a couple of noteworthy tricks that this Legendary Beast can utilize for both Combat and Hunting.
Firstly, the fact that the anatomy of Livyatan is identical to that of the Modern Sperm Whale, gives us the impression that it has quite literally, one of the single most powerful weapons in the Animal Kingdom. It's Brain.
Livyatan is VERY!!!! Smart. As mentioned before, it can communicate with it's own language and have one devastating Ability...... Echolocation!!!!!!
Because the Livyatan has a large depression on the top of it's Skull (Supracranial basin), it can emit Echolocation, thus giving it a "Radar Sense".
Why is it that this Whale is making me love Realistic Animals more than Superheroes? This beast is so fascinating. It can even use its "Head" as a battering Ram. 60 tons of Force incoming...... What an Impact
Of course, remember that "Clicking" stuff a Sperm Whale can do? Well, it can also be used as a Weapon, the Livyatan's Scaling to Sperm Whale Clicks means that it can emit a Sonic Blast that is powerful enough to kill a Human. That's right, this blast is even more powerful than a speeding car!!!!!
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| The Effects of Echolocation and Sonic Blast in one Image |
But really, do you want me to end the info of Livyatan here without mentioning one last trick? Long and Behold...... Pod of Whales!!!!
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| We are Family!!!!!!! |
I mean, what is a Whale without it's Pod? That's Right, Whales generally have a Pod of 10-15 individuals, which are a family, to hang around with. These Pods are both Social and are also Hunting Parties. Ooof. Lovely times to be a whale right?
Well, Male Bull Whales are usually on their own since they would be Big Enough and Skilled enough to hunt effectively. In fact, Pods are also led by Matriarch's. There are some cases when Bull Males lead a Pod but generally, the Matriarchs have that role. Talk about Girl Power!!!!
Overall, Pods are also around to assist a Injured Whale in need and even sometimes commence rescue operations..... What a lovely Group!!!!
Weaknesses
Despite the fact that Livyatan is indeed a Legendary Beast, it is just a Whale at the end of the Day.
The problem stems from the fact that it went extinct mainly for two reasons. Their Prey evolved to become bigger, faster and easier to avoid Livyatan's Hunger and finally, the Orca's (Killer Whale) came and took the food from them, eliminating their chance of long term survival.
It also goes without saying that while Echolocation helps, the real trick here is that it doesn't "Permanently" stun the victim. Infact, some instances of Sperm Whale Hunting resulted in Giant Squid retaliating back despite having being "Stunned" by the Sonic Blasts. So something durable enough can survive it and even fight back once more.
Still, Livyatan is one of my absolute Favorite Prehistoric Creatures. Legendary, Badass, and having a large appetite, this Whale is a Whopper of a Whopper!!!!
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| Awwww Super adorable!!! |
Cute Whale: Hello there Grandmaster!!!
Grandmaster: Ahhh hello little one!!!
Cute Whale: Happy New Year!!!!!
Grandmaster: Happy New Year also!!!! May I ask, what is your name?
Cute Whale: My name is Sarah
Grandmaster: Thank you Sarah, Farewell!!!!!
(Sarah Swims away)
Summary
Megalodon
Advantages
- Is almost Double the Weight of Livyatan
- Bite Force is Much more Powerful
- Hunting Method of Ambush can catch Livyatan off Guard since it attacks from the shadows
- When Blood is Drawn....... Well I'll explain ;)
- More Quantities of Teeth
- While not as Smart, Megalodon still can be just as Crafty, if not more strategic thanks to it's Stealth
- Unlike a Giant Squid, Megalodon would actually fare better against the Sonic Blast since it is more Durable and Much Heavier than a Giant Squid anyway
Disadvantages
- Not as Intelligent
- Megalodon can still be defeated by being flipped upside down, which Livyatan "Might" Pull off
- Lacks a direct Defence against Livyatan's Echolocation and Sonic Blast
- While Stealthy, there is a likelihood that Livyatan can eliminate Megalodon's Stealth with it's own Echolocation, nullifying the element of Surprise.
- Smaller Teeth
- Livyatan Pods vs One Megalodon? Are you really gonna try and compare? XD!!!
- Is Extinct
Livyatan
Advantages
- More Intelligent
- Has both Echolocation and Sonic Blasts, which can nullify Megalodon's Element of Surprise
- Since Livyatan is smart, it can attempt to flip Megalodon Upside down, making it Stunned for a moment and open to a killshot
- Much longer Teeth
- A Pod of Livyatans vs A Single Megalodon..... Good Game :)
- Not as Big in terms of Weight
- Livyatan's Bite Force is just not comparable to Megalodon's Bite Force
- While Echolocation and Sonic Blasts do help, Livyatan can still be ambushed by Megalodon's Surprise if it doesn't notice the Shark beforehand.
- Less Quantities of Teeth
- While Livyatan is of course Smarter, Megalodon can do some tricky business and arguably have greater battlefield control due to it's Stealth and Ambush Tactics
- Despite Sonic Blasts, Megalodon can withstand the sheer force of them since it's bigger and even more durable than most Marine Fauna at that time Period.
- When blood is Drawn........
- Is Extinct
The Verdict
In what has to be the most debated, epic, showstopping, Sea Crashing and bloodthirsty battle for Supremacy, Megalodon vs Livyatan is by far and large, Legendary to behold.
Both Amazing Creatures posses alot of Powerful Capabilities. Both are Kings of the Sea for their Time. However, there can only be one True King..... And that answer is actually answered the moment the Fight Begins.... And Ends....... ;)
Funny enough, Megalodon and Livyatan have different ways to hunt. Megalodon is more stealthy while Livyatan does have Echolocation and the Sonic Blasts to locate and kill it's Prey. While Livyatan does have more variety, bare in mind, against Megalodon? This is gonna be difficult.
The Echolocation will of course nullify Megalodon's Stealth since it is a Radar Sense. So that means that Livyatan has the initial Advantage. True, very true, Megalodon's Stealth just cannot surprise Livyatan no more. Which can put it at a disadvantage.... Until you ask..... Can Livyatan physically fight Megalodon?
Let's look at the comparison
Megalodon
Length: 16-20 Meters. With 26 Meters from a 30% increase
Weight: 70-100 tons. 130 tons with 30% increase
Livyatan
Length: 16-18 Meters. With 23.4 Meters from a 30% Increase (Iffy but let's give it a high ball)
Weight: 50-60 Tons. 70 tons with a 30% increase
As you can clearly see, Megalodon is both Longer and Heavier than Livyatan. I mean, you want an even closer look? Here it is.
This scale shows us a Sperm Whale, Megalodon and Livyatan comparison in size. Mind you, this is a Conservative Scale but the point is, Megalodon is clearly bigger overall.
Simply put, in a Fight, Livyatan is at a major disadvantage against a Shark that is twice the size. You mean to tell me that a 50-60 Ton Whale can compete with a 70-100 Shark in Physical Combat? Sorry, That doesn't sound convincing.
However, the real trick is if Livyatan is smart enough to Stun Megalodon with not just flipping it over, but simply using a Sonic Blast. Yes, it can....... But unfortunately, Megalodon can quickly snap out of it since it is more durable than a Giant Squid and that the Sonic Blast doesn't Permanently Stun the Victim anyway. So really, Livyatan's Chances of holding down Megalodon are looking Bleak here.......... I guess that means Megalodon will ultimately "Bite" back and then CRUNCH!!!!!
It would result in tremendous blood loss to Livyatan, who cannot survive the same bite force that crushed a Small Car in a Single Bite....... Yeah, At this point, Megalodon wins...... But then you would be thinking......
Ahhhhh.... Pods..... then Livyatan finally wins.......
.......
.......
Blood........ Blood Everywhere......... So Much Blood......
While the dying Livyatan can Call for a Livyatan Pod to help out........ Why is Blood now a thing? Guess what? The Reason Blood is a thing in this fight is simple..... The Animal Kingdom is not just a "Random Encounter" Scenario, it is a place where anything goes no matter how isolated you are...... Megalodon vs Livyatan would ultimately affect the Ecosystem (Remember the Intro of this Blog? This is it).
What do you mean Grandmaster? Well, behold......
Yep. If you are gonna give Livyatan it's Pod, and the fact that Blood being Drawn is a factor in this fight, then you must consider the fact that nearby Predators are gonna smell out the amount of blood in the Ocean to close in on the battle that will, I kid you not, Bring more Megalodon's and large Predators to the fray. This means, Megalodon just won the longevity side of this fight since again, We are now having 10-15 individuals of Livyatans vs a limitless amount of Large Predatory Sharks who are attacking from all directions at once. This right here is the main factor that every single article I read about this match up ignored entirely.
You mean to tell me that a fight between Megalodon vs Livyatan won't attract more Megalodon's into the Fight? This doesn't really make sense. You also give Livyatan it's own pod? Then you have to give Megalodon things to match anyway. So really, Blood Loss in this fight is gonna give nearby Predators a nice Dinner Time Bell, and having Megalodon's Attack the Livyatan Pods from All Directions already paints a clear picture of how Horrific the Battle will be. Ultimately, again, Megalodon can't exactly lose this fight.
Even if you just put Megalodon vs Livyatan in a Completely isolated encounter. No Help, No Schools of Sharks and Pods of Livyatans around, you still got the fact that Megalodon is too Big, Too Powerful, Durable enough to survive Sonic Blasts and Ultimately, is the True King of the Seas.........
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| The Winner, and The True King of the Sea is The Megalodon |
Thank you very much for reading my Season 6 Blogs. This Season has been full of Twists and Turns with regards to the Research Process and I wanted to thank all the lovely fans of my Series for their continued Support. Season 7 is confirmed for Next Year and by tradition, I shall announce some combatants for Season 7.
The announced Combatants for Season 7 Are.....
Thank you for Reading. See you in Season 7 :D!!!!
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