ANALYZING OTODUS MEGALODON JAWS AND TOOTH WHORL RECONSTRUCTIONS IN MUSEUMS, HYPOTHESIZING IMPROVEMENTS, AND INVESTIGATING WAYS OF CREATING RELATED EXHIBITS AND OUTREACH

Reconstructions of Otodus megalodon, the extinct mega shark, are frequently displayed in museums. These jaw reconstructions are iconic centerpieces, but they are constructed from on fragmentary fossils, so they have constantly changed and improved over time. Investigating O. megalodon reconstructions reveals that they are based on either disarticulated O. megalodon tooth sets or else the jaws of related shark species such as Carcharodon carcharias, the Great White shark. Therefore, many of these displays cannot be confidently said to be accurate representations of O. megalodon. New studies and advanced technology have modernized these displays using 3D modeling to document differences between C. carcharias and O. megalodon.

We used a published equation to make body size estimation calculations with multiple O. megalodon teeth from the A1 or A2 position (the two most mesial teeth). The maximum body size of O. megalodon is thought to have stayed constant throughout their stratigraphic range, so time does not need to be considered when studying body size. We used comparisons of modern tooth whorls to generate a 3D model of an upper left and right O. megalodon tooth whorl. This model has three rows of developed erupted teeth, showing the most separation between each other. These are followed by four unerupted, unrooted teeth nested close together in tissue.

We are working to develop ways to emphasize what is known and unknown about O. megalodon and how this is shown in museum reconstructions around the world, in part by creating public outreach displays that can be easily replicated. One display includes replicas of tooth whorls showing the correct orientation of the teeth. We also compared molding and casting versus 3D printing replica teeth for outreach. Molding and casting actual O. megalodon specimens iswere the ideal technique. A body size estimation display was made by creating casts of various sizes of A1 and A2 O. megalodon teeth with matching notecards including the equation for each size tooth. These new forms of outreach display and exhibits are to inform the public on the true story of the O. megalodon and the science behind it. It is important that museums use O. megalodon displays as an opportunity to show how science is constantly changing and advancing.