The underwater shark It is one of the names that the megalodon receives, which was the object of study in the documentary called Megalodon: the monster shark lives, broadcast by Discovery Channel in 2014. The production focuses on the possible existence of a prehistoric shark between 10 and 20 meters in length.
This shark is also known as a megalodon and was once thought to be extinct. During the documentary, a series of professionals on the subject are followed, who carry out research on the animal taking as a starting point a series of alleged attacks that occurred on the coasts of South Africa.
This special premiered on Shark Week (Shark week) on Discovery Channel. It is considered one of the most watched programs of the channel to date.
However, the documentary has also been the subject of harsh criticism because, according to experts and viewers, no serious scientific evidence was presented about the veracity of the facts presented..
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The beginning of the study is headed by a marine biologist who begins to research on the subject together with a team of specialists. The investigation begins as a result of an attack by this animal against a fishing boat off the coast of South Africa.
After reviewing the alleged evidence that proved the existence of this animal, the team moved to the area to organize an expedition that would allow them to obtain the necessary material that would help them demonstrate to the scientific community that the shark survived the prehistoric era..
In the course of the documentary it is emphasized that the megalodon or Charcharocles megalodon (according to its scientific name) it also seems to feed on large marine creatures, such as whales.
However, the end of the program did not yield a strong conclusion, so viewers and experts on the subject did not take long to speak out against the documentary..
It should be noted that the rumor about the existence of the megalodon was also reinforced by another more or less similar event, which happened in 2014.
On the very coasts of South Africa, the captain of a cruise ship made a stop for tourists to enjoy the marine view, the special attraction was a group of seals that was feeding in the vicinity. Shortly after the ship received a series of attacks whose origin was unknown.
The thrusts were stronger and stronger, causing part of the ship's structure to fracture. Shortly after it was learned that it was a group of white sharks.
However, these animals stopped the attack when a much larger beast appeared, presumed to have been an underwater shark or megalodon. One of the alleged survivors even claimed that he took one of the victims to drag her to the seabed.
Clear evidence on this fact has not yet been found, but it may have had an influence on the production of the documentary.
Megalodon: the monster shark lives It was one of the most anticipated programs of the cycle, Shark Week, broadcast on the Discovery Channel. In fact, after its broadcast it is estimated that almost five million viewers watched this special..
However, at the end of this, a series of questions and questions arose that became stronger with the passage of time. Here are some relevant facts that made it possible to demonstrate the documentary falsity:
-Both viewers and experts were quick to express criticism and discomfort after the broadcast, because the program did not have truthful material. Indeed, it was emphasized that the specialists were rather actors hired to make a film.
-Over time, members of the scientific community also made a series of statements lamenting the fact, especially since the channel was recognized as a platform for the exploration and dissemination of science..
-The format of the program was compared to the special Mermaids: the body found, which was also criticized for the introduction of fictional elements into the material presented as true.
-Given the above, the Discovery chain admitted that it was certainly a mockumentary, whose main objective was to promote other types of audiovisual materials to please the various groups in the audience.
Thanks to the above, some experts indicate that the “mockumentary” format has become popular on several major networks such as the History Channel (for example, MonsterQuest).
In this type of productions they use mockumentary or the introduction of fiction into true stories, which in the long run could compromise the seriousness of other transmitted content.
-The mockumentary alludes to the megalodon or Charcharocles megalodon, the largest shark that has been known so far, whose length is estimated to range from 10 to 21 meters. Some enthusiasts even indicate that the animal may have reached 25 meters.
-The megalodon is believed to have lived in the Miocene for nearly 16 million years, and to have been extinct 2.5 million years ago.
-It was a predator of whales, seals and giant tortoises, with a preference for warm waters and with an apparent sense of community.
-It is believed that it was an animal with incredible power in attack, which has helped the emergence of rumors that indicate that it is still prevalent today. However, its existence was ruled out thanks to a study by the University of Florida.
-Thanks to the fossils found, estimates have been made that have made it possible to compare this species with the great white shark, considered the largest and most dangerous shark to date.
-There is no clarity as to the causes of the extinction of the underwater shark, although it is said that this influenced the evolution of the whales, when they became large and fed through filters.
-Some experts have not entirely dismissed the issuance of the underwater shark documentary, since they affirm that thanks to this it will be possible to promote more studies and research related to marine biodiversity.
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