What Zinc Means for Megalodon’s Extinction | SciShow News

The video explores the use of zinc isotopes in fossilized shark teeth to determine the trophic levels of ancient sharks, including Megalodon, and their potential competition with great white ancestors. It also covers the sequencing of ancient DNA from a Pompeii citizen, revealing insights into Roman genetic diversity and health conditions.

What is the primary focus of the research on Megalodon discussed in the video?

• Its habitat preferences

• Its position in the food web

• Its extinction timeline

• Its size and shape

How do scientists determine the trophic level of Megalodon using its teeth?

• By measuring the size of the teeth

• By studying the shape of the teeth

• By analyzing the zinc content

• By comparing the teeth to modern sharks

What does a lower ratio of zinc 66 to zinc 64 in teeth indicate about a shark's diet?

• A plant-based diet

• A lower trophic level

• A diet rich in minerals

• A higher trophic level

What is suggested by the zinc isotope analysis about the relationship between Megalodon and great white ancestors?

• They shared the same habitat

• They might have competed for food

• They had no interaction

• They were different species

What is a significant limitation of the study on Megalodon and great white ancestors?

• Limited number of teeth samples

• Inaccurate zinc measurements

• Lack of modern shark comparisons

• Unreliable fossil dating

What was a major challenge in sequencing ancient DNA from Pompeii?

• Locating the Petrus bone

• Identifying the correct species

• Preserving the DNA from decay

• Finding intact bones

What does the successful sequencing of a Pompeian citizen's DNA suggest about the city?

• It had a diverse population

• It was technologically advanced

• It had a uniform genetic makeup

• It was isolated