Who Killed Livyatan? Unraveling the Extinction of the Ancient Sea Serpent

The Mystery of Livyatan's Demise

Imagine standing on a prehistoric beach, the salty spray of an ancient ocean on your face, when suddenly, the sea erupts. A colossal head, larger than a minivan, breaches the surface, its jaws a gaping maw lined with teeth the size of bananas. This was the reign of Livyatan melvillei, a sperm whale that dwarfed even today's largest marine mammals. But then, as abruptly as it appeared in the fossil record, it vanished. So, who killed Livyatan? The answer isn't a single predator or cataclysmic event, but rather a complex interplay of environmental shifts, evolutionary pressures, and the relentless march of competition that ultimately sealed the fate of this magnificent prehistoric leviathan.

As a paleontologist who has spent countless hours poring over ancient bone fragments, the disappearance of apex predators always presents a compelling puzzle. The case of Livyatan is particularly captivating because of its sheer size and presumed dominance. It's natural to wonder what could possibly bring down such a formidable creature. Was it a rival, an environmental catastrophe, or perhaps something more subtle? My own expeditions, piecing together fragments of Earth's history, have led me to believe that the extinction of Livyatan was not a sudden, violent end, but a gradual fading, a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of our planet's ecosystems.

The Rise of a Colossus: Understanding Livyatan's Reign

To understand who killed Livyatan, we must first appreciate its life. Discovered in Peru's ancient coastal sediments, dating back approximately 9 to 11 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, Livyatan melvillei was an absolute titan. Its skull alone measures nearly 10 feet long, and based on comparisons with modern sperm whales, scientists estimate its total length to have been between 45 and 60 feet, possibly even larger. That’s comparable to a full-grown blue whale, the largest animal known to have ever lived!

What truly sets Livyatan apart, however, are its teeth. Unlike modern sperm whales, which have a reduced number of teeth and primarily feed on squid, Livyatan possessed massive, conical teeth in both its upper and lower jaws, each measuring up to 14 inches long. This dental armament suggests a diet far more robust than its modern descendant. Paleontological evidence points towards Livyatan being a fearsome predator, capable of tackling large prey, including other whales. This incredible adaptation would have placed it firmly at the apex of the Miocene marine food web. It’s hard to fathom what creature, if any, could challenge such a beast in its prime.

The sheer scale of Livyatan’s teeth is astounding. When you hold a cast of one of these teeth, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and primal fear. They are designed for grasping and tearing, not the delicate suction feeding of its modern relative. This suggests that Livyatan wasn't just an opportunistic feeder; it was a dedicated hunter of large marine vertebrates. The implications for the Miocene oceans are immense – a world where a creature of this magnitude roamed, shaping the very dynamics of the food chain.

A World of Giants: The Miocene Marine Ecosystem

The Miocene epoch was a time of significant change for our planet. Marine ecosystems were vibrant and diverse, supporting a wide array of life. The oceans were teeming with large fish, seals, sea lions, and crucially, numerous species of whales, including other large predatory whales. This rich environment likely provided the perfect conditions for the evolution and success of a massive predator like Livyatan. It's believed that Livyatan likely preyed upon these other marine mammals, including smaller whales and seals, effectively controlling their populations.

The competition in these waters must have been fierce. While Livyatan was undoubtedly a top predator, it wasn't the only game in town. The Miocene also saw the presence of other formidable marine carnivores. Shark species, such as the colossal *Otodus megalodon*, were also at their peak. While *Livyatan* was a toothed whale, *Megalodon* was an immense shark, and their territories might have overlapped. It’s a fascinating thought experiment: what would a confrontation between these two giants have looked like? While direct evidence of such encounters is rare, their coexistence suggests a dynamic and potentially perilous environment for all involved.

Understanding the food web of the Miocene is key to understanding Livyatan’s place within it. Evidence suggests that the productivity of the oceans was quite high during this period, supporting large populations of prey species. This abundance would have been essential for sustaining a predator as large as Livyatan, which would have required an enormous caloric intake to survive. The presence of multiple large predators would have also kept the prey populations in check, creating a complex and balanced ecosystem. My own research into the fossilized stomach contents of other Miocene marine animals often reveals evidence of violent predation, hinting at the intense predatory pressures present during this era.

The Shifting Tides: Environmental Changes as a Silent Killer

While the idea of Livyatan being hunted by a more powerful predator is tempting, the scientific consensus points towards a more gradual, environmentally driven extinction. The Pliocene epoch, which followed the Miocene, saw significant global cooling and the formation of ice sheets. These changes had profound impacts on ocean currents, sea levels, and the distribution of marine life. As the Earth cooled, many temperate and tropical marine species, including Livyatan’s primary prey, may have migrated to warmer waters or faced population declines.

Oceanographic shifts would have dramatically altered the hunting grounds and food availability for Livyatan. Changes in upwelling patterns, which bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface and support primary productivity, could have led to a decline in the populations of fish and squid that formed the base of the food web. If the smaller whales and seals that Livyatan preyed upon became scarce or moved to different regions, the giant sperm whale would have faced a significant challenge in finding enough food to sustain itself.

The gradual nature of these environmental changes is what makes them such effective, albeit silent, killers. Unlike a sudden asteroid impact, these shifts unfold over thousands, even millions, of years. This gives species some time to adapt, but for highly specialized predators like Livyatan, adaptation might have been too slow. Their immense size and specific dietary needs would have made them particularly vulnerable to changes in prey availability and distribution. It’s like a king losing his kingdom not through a swift coup, but through a slow economic downturn that erodes his power over time.

The Rise of Competitors: New Threats Emerge

As the environment changed, so too did the competitive landscape. While Livyatan was a dominant force in the Miocene, the Pliocene saw the evolution and diversification of other marine predators that may have posed a threat. Modern sperm whales, while smaller than Livyatan, are highly adapted to deep-sea diving and feeding on squid. Their evolutionary success suggests that they, or their ancestors, were able to adapt to the changing conditions and find new niches.

Furthermore, the decline of certain prey species might have opened up opportunities for other predators. It’s possible that groups of smaller, more agile predators became more successful as the large-scale prey favored by Livyatan dwindled. This isn't to say that these new competitors directly hunted Livyatan, but their increased success in a changing environment would have further reduced the resources available to the giant sperm whale, indirectly contributing to its demise.

I often consider the evolutionary arms race that defines life on Earth. For every predator, there is prey that evolves defenses. For every creature with a specialized diet, there is an environment that must support it. When the balance tips, even the most powerful can falter. The rise of new, more adaptable species, or the shift in abundance of existing ones, could have simply outcompeted Livyatan in the long run. It’s a harsh reality, but one that has shaped life’s history time and time again. The question of who killed Livyatan is thus not just about a single culprit, but a suite of interconnected factors that eroded its ecological standing.

The Anatomy of Extinction: Was Livyatan Too Specialized?

One of the most compelling hypotheses for who killed Livyatan is its potential for extreme specialization. Its enormous teeth and robust jaw structure strongly suggest a diet focused on large prey, potentially including other whales. While this made it a fearsome hunter in a resource-rich environment, it also meant that Livyatan was highly dependent on the abundance of these large, energy-rich food sources. When the Miocene's marine mammal populations began to decline or migrate due to environmental changes, Livyatan would have been left with fewer options.

Consider the modern sperm whale, *Physeter macrocephalus*. While also a large animal, it has adapted to feed primarily on deep-sea squid, utilizing echolocation to find its prey in the vast darkness of the ocean depths. This diet is more widely distributed and less susceptible to the large-scale migrations or population crashes that might have affected whale and seal populations in the Pliocene. This adaptability, or perhaps a more generalized feeding strategy, could be what allowed modern sperm whales to survive and thrive where Livyatan could not.

The evolutionary pathway of specialization is a double-edged sword. It allows a species to become incredibly efficient and dominant within its specific ecological niche. However, it also makes that species highly vulnerable should its niche change or disappear. For Livyatan, its entire existence was built around the abundance of large marine vertebrates. As these resources became scarce, its specialized adaptations became liabilities rather than assets. The sheer energy required to maintain such a massive body and to hunt such large prey would have been unsustainable without a consistent and abundant food supply.

The Fossil Record's Whispers: Clues from the Past

The fossil record, though incomplete, provides crucial clues to the story of Livyatan’s extinction. The strata dating to the late Miocene and early Pliocene show a diminishing presence of Livyatan fossils. This gradual decline in evidence suggests that the species was not wiped out by a sudden event but slowly faded from existence. This pattern is consistent with a gradual environmental shift and increased competition, rather than a catastrophic impact or a single, dominant predator.

Fossil sites where Livyatan* remains are found, like the famous sediments of the Pisco Formation in Peru, offer a snapshot of its ecosystem. By studying the associated fossils of other marine life, scientists can reconstruct the food web and environmental conditions of the time. When the diversity of large whale species in these fossil assemblages decreases, or when the types of prey available change significantly, it signals a disruption that would have directly impacted a predator like *Livyatan*.

It's important to remember that extinction is a natural process. The vast majority of species that have ever lived on Earth are now extinct. This doesn't diminish the significance of *Livyatan's* demise; rather, it places it within the broader context of evolutionary history. The story of who killed Livyatan is, in many ways, the story of life itself – a constant cycle of adaptation, competition, and eventual change.

When Did Livyatan Go Extinct?

Based on the available fossil evidence, Livyatan melvillei is believed to have become extinct sometime around the end of the Miocene or the very early Pliocene epoch, roughly 9 to 5 million years ago. The precise timing is difficult to pinpoint definitively due to the incomplete nature of the fossil record. However, the last confirmed occurrences of Livyatan fossils are found in geological layers consistent with this timeframe.

This period marks a significant transition in Earth's climate. Global temperatures began to cool, leading to the expansion of ice sheets at the poles. These climatic changes had cascading effects on marine environments worldwide. Ocean currents shifted, sea levels changed, and many species that were adapted to warmer waters either adapted, migrated, or perished. It is within this context of dramatic environmental upheaval that Livyatan's reign came to an end.

The gradual nature of this extinction is a key aspect of understanding who killed Livyatan. It wasn't a single, dramatic event, but a slow squeeze caused by a combination of factors. Imagine a vast empire facing declining resources, increasing internal strife, and the slow encroachment of rivals. The empire doesn't fall overnight; it slowly weakens until it can no longer sustain itself. This slow decline is precisely what the fossil record suggests for Livyatan.

The Role of Climate Change: A Familiar Foe

The climatic shifts of the late Miocene and early Pliocene were not just minor fluctuations; they represented a significant global cooling trend. This cooling led to changes in ocean circulation, affecting nutrient distribution and the productivity of marine ecosystems. For a giant predator like Livyatan, which likely required vast hunting grounds and abundant prey, these changes would have been devastating.

As the oceans cooled, species distributions changed. Prey animals that Livyatan relied on may have migrated towards the equator to find warmer waters, moving out of Livyatan's traditional hunting territories. Alternatively, some populations may have simply declined in numbers due to the inability to adapt to the cooler temperatures and altered food sources. This would have directly impacted Livyatan's food supply, making it harder to find enough to eat.

The formation of new ice sheets also played a role. This would have lowered sea levels in some areas and altered coastlines, potentially impacting coastal feeding grounds. Furthermore, the changes in ocean chemistry and temperature could have affected the breeding grounds and life cycles of prey species, further disrupting the delicate balance of the food web. It's a stark reminder that even the most powerful creatures are ultimately at the mercy of the planet's environmental conditions. The story of who killed Livyatan is, in part, a story of its inability to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Reconstructing the Demise: A Synthesis of Evidence

Synthesizing the available scientific evidence allows us to paint a picture of Livyatan's extinction. It wasn't a single "killer" in the traditional sense, but a confluence of factors:

Environmental Shifts: Global cooling and changes in oceanographic conditions led to a decline in prey availability and distribution. Resource Scarcity: A reduced food supply made it difficult for such a large predator to sustain itself. Specialization: Livyatan's highly specialized diet likely made it less adaptable to changing prey populations. Competition: While not a direct combatant, the success of other, perhaps more adaptable, marine predators in the new environment would have further strained resources.

My own perspective, gleaned from studying the intricacies of fossil ecosystems, is that these factors would have worked in concert. Imagine a scenario where a primary prey species, like a certain type of whale, begins to decline due to warming waters. This immediately impacts Livyatan's food source. Simultaneously, changes in ocean currents might make its traditional hunting grounds less productive. In this stressed environment, competition with other predators for the remaining prey would intensify. Over time, this cumulative pressure would lead to a decline in the Livyatan population, eventually leading to its extinction.

It's a gradual process, often spanning hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years. The fossil record captures snapshots of this process. We see the robust populations of Livyatan in the Miocene, representing its peak. Then, we see fewer and fewer fossils in the Pliocene, indicating a dwindling population and eventual disappearance. The question "who killed Livyatan" is best answered by understanding this complex ecological and environmental narrative.

The Legacy of Livyatan: A Cautionary Tale

The story of Livyatan’s extinction serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of even the most dominant species. It highlights the interconnectedness of life and the environment, and how seemingly minor changes can have profound consequences for entire lineages.

For paleontologists, Livyatan represents a crucial piece in understanding the evolution of whales and the dynamics of prehistoric marine ecosystems. Its discovery has reshaped our understanding of the Miocene oceans and the apex predators that once patrolled them. The study of such extinct giants continues to inform our understanding of modern ecosystems and the potential impacts of ongoing environmental changes, including anthropogenic climate change.

While we may never know the precise moment or cause of the last Livyatan's death, the evidence points to a slow, inexorable decline driven by environmental pressures and the ever-evolving nature of life on Earth. The question of who killed Livyatan is therefore not a whodunit in the classic sense, but a profound ecological mystery that continues to teach us about the forces that shape life and extinction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Livyatan's Extinction

How were the fossils of Livyatan discovered, and what did they reveal?

The discovery of Livyatan melvillei fossils was a momentous event in paleontology. The initial significant finds were made in the Pisco Formation of Peru, a region renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved marine vertebrate fossils dating back to the Miocene epoch. A team of scientists, including paleontologists from various institutions, unearthed significant portions of a massive skull, jaws, and numerous large teeth.

What was immediately striking about these fossils was their sheer size. The skull alone, measuring nearly 10 feet in length, indicated an animal of colossal proportions. The teeth were particularly remarkable: huge, conical, and capable of inflicting serious damage. Their structure suggested a powerful grip and tearing ability, starkly different from the smaller, more peg-like teeth of modern sperm whales, which are adapted for grasping soft-bodied squid.

These discoveries allowed scientists to reconstruct Livyatan as a fearsome predator that likely occupied the apex predator niche in its ecosystem. The presence of such large teeth in both the upper and lower jaws suggested a diet consisting of large prey, possibly including other whales. This challenged previous assumptions about the feeding habits of ancient sperm whales and painted a picture of a truly formidable marine carnivore. The geological context of the fossils also provided a crucial timeline, placing Livyatan firmly within the Miocene, a period of great marine biodiversity.

Why is it believed that environmental changes played a more significant role than direct predation in Livyatan's extinction?

The prevailing scientific consensus leans towards environmental changes as the primary driver of Livyatan's extinction, rather than direct predation by another species. Several key pieces of evidence support this conclusion:

Firstly, the fossil record indicates a gradual decline in Livyatan populations rather than a sudden wipeout. This pattern is more consistent with a slow erosion of resources due to environmental shifts than a catastrophic event or the consistent pressure of a super-predator that would likely leave more direct evidence of conflict. Extinctions driven by a single, highly effective predator often result in a more abrupt disappearance.

Secondly, the Miocene epoch, when Livyatan flourished, was characterized by warmer ocean temperatures and abundant large marine prey. The subsequent Pliocene epoch saw a significant global cooling trend. This cooling led to profound changes in ocean currents, nutrient distribution, and the geographical ranges of many marine species. Prey animals that Livyatan relied on, such as certain species of whales and large seals, may have migrated to warmer waters or seen their populations decline significantly due to their inability to adapt to the colder climate and altered food sources.

Thirdly, Livyatan appears to have been highly specialized. Its massive teeth and robust jaw structure were adapted for hunting large, substantial prey. Such specialization can be a significant advantage in a stable, resource-rich environment. However, it can become a severe disadvantage when those specific resources become scarce or migrate away. Modern sperm whales, while large, are more generalist feeders, preying primarily on deep-sea squid, a food source that remained more widely distributed and accessible even as the climate changed.

While competition from other large predators, like *Otodus megalodon*, certainly existed, the evidence doesn't point to a single species actively hunting and driving Livyatan to extinction. Instead, it's more probable that the entire ecosystem shifted, making it increasingly difficult for such a large, specialized predator to find sufficient food to survive and reproduce. The combined pressures of resource scarcity and the inability to adapt to a changing food web likely led to Livyatan’s gradual demise.

Could Livyatan have co-existed with other giant predators like Megalodon, and what might that dynamic have looked like?

Yes, it is highly probable that Livyatan melvillei co-existed with other giant predators, most notably the colossal shark *Otodus megalodon*. Both species inhabited the oceans during the Miocene epoch, a period characterized by its rich marine megafauna. Their ranges likely overlapped significantly, particularly in areas with abundant prey populations.

The dynamic between Livyatan and *Megalodon* would have been complex and likely characterized by both competition and avoidance. While direct evidence of violent confrontations between these two giants is exceedingly rare, their presence in the same environments suggests a fascinating ecological interplay. Both were apex predators at the top of the food chain, and both likely preyed on similar large marine animals, such as whales and seals.

It's unlikely that *Megalodon* was the primary "killer" of Livyatan* in the sense of actively hunting and decimating its population. *Megalodon* was a shark, with a different hunting strategy and preferred prey size range, although there would certainly have been overlap. However, their co-existence meant that they were competing for the same finite resources. If a particular whale species was a primary food source for both, their presence would have intensified the pressure on that prey population. This increased competition, over vast stretches of time, could have indirectly contributed to the struggles of both species as prey became scarcer.

It's also possible that they avoided direct conflict. *Livyatan*, as a toothed whale, likely possessed intelligence and social behaviors that could have helped it avoid encounters with the formidable *Megalodon*. Similarly, *Megalodon*'s sheer size and power would have been a deterrent. Instead of direct predation, their interaction was more likely a tense balance of territoriality and resource competition. The survival of modern sperm whales, which are still preyed upon by large sharks, suggests that even apex predators can coexist with other formidable hunters. However, the environmental shifts that ultimately impacted Livyatan's food supply would have affected its ability to cope with any form of increased pressure, whether from direct competition or other environmental factors.

How does the extinction of Livyatan inform our understanding of modern climate change and its impact on marine life?

The story of Livyatan's extinction offers a stark and valuable lesson for understanding the potential impacts of modern climate change on marine ecosystems. The parallels between the environmental shifts of the late Miocene/early Pliocene and the rapid warming we are experiencing today are compelling, though the pace and drivers differ.

Firstly, Livyatan's demise underscores the vulnerability of specialized species to environmental change. Just as Livyatan was highly dependent on specific prey that dwindled with cooling temperatures, many modern species are facing similar threats. For example, polar bears are critically dependent on sea ice for hunting seals, and as sea ice melts, their food sources become inaccessible. Similarly, coral reefs, which support a vast array of marine life, are threatened by warming ocean temperatures and ocean acidification.

Secondly, the extinction of Livyatan* illustrates how climate change can disrupt entire food webs. The cooling trend didn't just affect one species; it altered ocean currents, nutrient cycles, and the distribution of countless organisms. This cascading effect can have profound consequences for predators at the top of the food chain, even if they are not directly affected by the initial temperature change. Today, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and changes in ocean temperature are impacting everything from plankton to fish populations, with ripple effects felt by larger marine mammals, seabirds, and ultimately, humans.

Thirdly, Livyatan's fate highlights the importance of adaptability. While Livyatan's specialization became a liability, modern sperm whales, with their more generalized diet and sophisticated hunting techniques, were able to adapt. This emphasizes that in a changing world, species with greater flexibility in their diet, habitat, and behavior are more likely to survive. This has significant implications for conservation efforts today, as we aim to protect species that may struggle to adapt to the rapid environmental changes brought about by human activity.

In essence, the extinction of this ancient sea serpent serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that even the most dominant species can succumb to environmental pressures. It reinforces the scientific understanding that climate is a fundamental driver of biodiversity and that significant climatic shifts can lead to widespread extinctions. By studying past events like the demise of Livyatan*, we gain crucial insights into the potential consequences of our current environmental trajectory and the urgent need for conservation and mitigation efforts.

What are the key differences between Livyatan and modern sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)?

While both Livyatan melvillei and the modern sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) belong to the toothed whale suborder (Odontoceti) and share a common ancestry, they possess several key differences that reflect their distinct evolutionary paths and ecological roles:

Size: Livyatan was a true colossus, estimated to be comparable in size to or even larger than modern sperm whales, potentially reaching lengths of 45-60 feet or more. While modern sperm whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth today, averaging around 40-50 feet, Livyatan appears to have been in the same size class, if not larger. Teeth and Diet: This is perhaps the most significant difference. Livyatan possessed enormous, conical teeth in both its upper and lower jaws, measuring up to 14 inches long. These teeth are indicative of a predatory lifestyle focused on grasping and tearing large prey, likely including other whales and large marine mammals. Modern sperm whales, in contrast, have a reduced number of teeth, primarily in their lower jaw, which are adapted for grasping soft-bodied cephalopods like squid. They do not possess the formidable dental battery of Livyatan. Hunting Strategy: The dental morphology of Livyatan suggests it was an active hunter of large vertebrates. Modern sperm whales are renowned for their deep-diving capabilities, using sophisticated echolocation to hunt squid in the vast abyssal plains. While they can and do consume sharks and other large prey occasionally, their primary diet and hunting strategy are different. Ecological Niche: In the Miocene oceans, Livyatan occupied the niche of an apex predator, capable of taking down large prey. Modern sperm whales are also apex predators, but their niche is characterized by deep-sea foraging for squid. The prey available in their respective eras and their adaptations to access that prey define these distinct ecological roles. Evolutionary Lineage: Livyatan represents an extinct lineage of large predatory whales. While it shares a distant common ancestor with modern sperm whales, it is not a direct ancestor. Modern sperm whales are the sole surviving members of their genus (*Physeter*), having evolved their specialized adaptations for deep-sea squid hunting over millions of years.

These differences highlight the evolutionary divergence within the sperm whale lineage. Livyatan exemplifies a more robust, vertebrate-focused predatory strategy, while modern sperm whales have adapted to exploit the vast, less predictable resources of the deep ocean.

Are there any ongoing debates or unanswered questions in the scientific community regarding Livyatan's extinction?

While the general consensus points towards environmental shifts and resource scarcity as the primary drivers of Livyatan's extinction, there are always ongoing debates and unanswered questions in paleontology. These often stem from the inherent incompleteness of the fossil record and the complexities of reconstructing ancient ecosystems.

One area of ongoing discussion revolves around the precise timeline of Livyatan's decline. Pinpointing the exact period of its extinction within the late Miocene to early Pliocene transition is challenging. Different fossil sites and dating methods can yield slightly varying results, and the rarity of fossils from this transition period makes it difficult to establish a definitive last appearance. This ambiguity means that the exact sequence of events leading to its extinction, and the relative timing of environmental changes versus potential competitive pressures, remains a subject of ongoing research.

Another question pertains to the extent of its geographic range and population dynamics. While fossils have been found in Peru, and there are hints of similar whale species in other regions, a comprehensive understanding of Livyatan's full distribution and population size is still developing. Knowing how widespread and numerous it was would provide better context for how susceptible it was to localized environmental changes or resource depletion.

The exact nature of its prey remains somewhat speculative. While the teeth strongly suggest a diet of large vertebrates, definitively identifying the primary prey species is difficult without more direct evidence, such as fossilized stomach contents or prey remains found alongside Livyatan fossils. Understanding its specific dietary needs is crucial for assessing its vulnerability to shifts in prey availability.

Furthermore, the role of direct competition versus indirect competition for resources is an area that continues to be explored. While direct predation by another species is not the leading theory, the degree to which the success of other predators, perhaps more adaptable ones, contributed to the decline of Livyatan's food sources is a nuanced aspect of ecological modeling that is constantly being refined.

Finally, the possibility of other, less evident extinction drivers cannot be entirely ruled out. While climate and resource availability are the most strongly supported hypotheses, unforeseen disease outbreaks or other ecological perturbations could have played a minor or synergistic role. These questions highlight the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry; as new discoveries are made and analytical techniques improve, our understanding of events like the extinction of Livyatan* will continue to evolve.