The underwater shark is one of the names given to the megalodon, which was studied in the documentary called Megalodon: the monster shark lives, broadcast on 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 thought to be extinct at the time. 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 on Discovery Channel. It is considered one of the most watched programs on 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.
History
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 began 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) also seems to feed on large marine beings, such as whales.
However, the end of the program did not yield a conclusive conclusion, so viewers and experts on the subject did not take long to speak out against the documentary.
Other associated facts
It should be noted that the rumor about the existence of the megalodon was also reinforced by another more or less similar event, which occurred 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.
Reality or fiction?
Megalodon: the monster shark lives 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 the 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 allowed 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 more like actors hired to make a film.
-Over time, members of the scientific community also made a series of statements lamenting the fact, especially because the channel was recognized as a platform for the exploration and dissemination of science.
-The program format 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.
-In light of 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 (eg MonsterQuest).
In this type of productions they use the false documentary or the introduction of fiction in true stories, which in the long run could compromise the seriousness of other transmitted content.
Other important data
-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.
-It is believed that the megalodon lived in the Miocene for almost 16 million years and that it became 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.
References
- Discovery Channel defends dramatized shark special 'Megalodon'. (2013). On CNN Entertainment. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. On CNN Entertainment at edition.cnn.com.
- Discovery Channel receives harsh criticism for shark special. (sf). In Emol. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In Emol of emol.com.
- It Came From Basic Cable. (2013). In National Geographic. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In National Geographic from phoenomena.nationalgeographic.com.
- They deny that the megalodon, the largest shark of all time, is still alive. (2014). In ABC Science. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In ABC Ciencia de abc.es.
- Megalodon. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org.
- Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org.
- Terror in South Africa. (sf). In Environment. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. En Medioambiente de Estudiantes.elpais.com.
- Yanez, Javier. Television is just television; Let's not pretend that it dispatches scientific culture. (2015). In Mixed Sciences. Retrieved: May 7, 2018. In Mixed Sciences of blogs.20minutos.es.