Otodontids

Otodontids are an extinct family of large predatory sharks that lived during the Cenozoic Era. The most famous member of this family is Otodus megalodon, often referred to as Megalodon, which was one of the largest and most powerful predators to have ever lived. Otodontids are characterized by their massive size, robust teeth, and a wide distribution across the world's oceans.

The fossil record of otodontids primarily consists of their fossilized teeth, which are large, triangular, and serrated, indicating their predatory diet. These teeth are often found in marine sedimentary rocks from the Paleocene to the Pliocene epochs. While the exact classification of otodontids has been a subject of debate, recent studies suggest they are closely related to the mackerel sharks, which include the great white shark.

The extinction of otodontids, including Megalodon, is thought to be linked to a combination of factors. These likely include climate change, which altered ocean temperatures and prey availability, and competition from other large predators like early great white sharks. The disappearance of otodontids marked a significant shift in the marine food web. Their presence dominated the oceans for millions of years, and their absence created new ecological niches for other marine life.