5 facts about sharks
Simpfendorfer, C. & Burgess, G.H. Whale sharks are in no way related to whales. Saw Shark Facts. The average depth of the ocean is 3,700 meters (12,000 feet), and light only reaches the first 200m. Whale shark season/migration in Belize runs March-June; however, we do spot them year-round. 4. Fossilised shark-remains have been found to date back to 450 million years ago, which means sharks roamed the planet’s waters even before dinosaurs existed! To date scientists have discovered two families of deep-sea sharks that have this incredible ability: Kitefin sharks (Dalatiidae) and Lantern sharks (Etmopteridae), which are believed to account for over 10% of described shark species and are found in every ocean. Sharks can hear sounds from up to 240 metres (787 feet) away. One of the other interesting shark facts to go along with this is the fact that sharks can go through as many as 30,000 teeth within their lifetime due to the many rows of primary and replacement teeth they are equipped with. Sharks like the chain catshark (Scyliorhinus rotifer) and the swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) spend most of their time on the bottom at depths of 500 to 600m of the oceans. 5 Adaptive Predators. 1. This means that they are always aware of their surroundings and are able to swim away from predators quickly. Despite their ferocious reputation, these underwater giants make up an impressive part of the world’s oceans, from the cold northern seas, to the tropical Caribbean. Bioflourescence is the shark equivalent of covering themselves with glow-in-the-dark paint, and the neon green glow comes from a pigment in their skin. Doreen McVeigh is a marine scientist at North Carolina State University, and passionate about science education and communication. Today there are more than 450 known species of sharks living in our oceans. 2. Dependent on their size, sharks can have up to 40,000 teeth in their mouths throughout their lifetime! 143 of these are under threat, listed by IUCN from vulnerable to … in length and can weigh up to 12 tons. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in Belize attracts one of the largest concentrations of whale sharks in the world. By the time dinosaurs appeared, these hunters had been roaming the ocean for more than 200 million years and even survived the meteor strike that spelled the end for large dinosaurs. But this is not the case. Whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet – they can reach up to 14m (46 feet!) So, did you know all of our astonishing facts about sharks? This means that they can lift their head, thrust their jaws forward and catch their prey easily. There are very few sharks who hunt or operate alone; most are social creatures who live in large herds. Working in large groups like this gives sharks better protection from predators and allows them to hunt more effectively. 5. in length and can weigh up to 12 tons. Despite living on our planet for such a long time, there are many species of shark that are sadly endangered today. To put that in perspective, 1st July 2017 was Canada's 150th year as a country and Greenland sharks born 1st July 1897 have only just reached maturity. Facts About the Whale Shark. It's not yet known what causes the pigmentation patterns on shark skin or its purpose, but it may be another communication technique for finding a mate. During the course of 400 million years, one of the Earth's most successful group of predators spread throughout oceans, estuaries and fresh water. Whether you’re a shark enthusiast or you’re just starting to discover how amazing sharks really are, you can find out more about their fascinating world at our wonderful shark displays or come along to Jurassic Shark this summer to learn all about these incredible creatures of the ocean! Other deep-sea sharks use bioluminescence and create their own light with special organs called, photophores. Whale sharks are filter feeders and sieve plankton, squid, krill, and small fish through their gills for much of their nourishment. In a nutshell, there are many factors that influence your chance of an encounter but your chances of seeing one at home are zero! This phenomenon has been observed in several shark species, and raises important concerns about conservation. The old saying is that "there are plenty of fish in the sea", but sometimes it can be difficult to find a partner. Or did we surprise you? Nurse Shark Facts: Description, Habitat, and Behavior. If we spot them, we always join them for either a dive or snorkel! Although they are sharks, they are very docile and pose no real threats to humans. A two-meter-long Greenland shark female from southwestern Greenland. 2. Scientists recently published a study documenting a piece of metal that had been consumed by a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris). 5 Fun Facts about Whale Sharks January 15, 2019. Yet, as a marine scientist and science communicator, it is frustrating to see programmes that sensationalise shark attacks on humans when in reality you are far more likely to die falling out of bed, encountering a cow or climbing a ladder. Responsible fisheries use fishing techniques that can reduce the amount of unwanted product called bycatch, which often includes sharks. Finally, consume seafood that has been independently certified by organisations that ensure the product was from sustainably sourced fishery – for example, the Marine Stewardship Council. Yet the lack of genetic diversity in the younger generations makes it harder for the species to adapt to changing climate or their environment. In fact, a month has not gone by this year where we have not had a sighting; however, the frequency is much greater during the migration season of March thru June. Though scientists don’t fully understand their migration habits, we know that they tend to gather en mass in specific places at specific times. Make sure you throw away litter responsibly and reduce, reuse, and recycle to stop unnecessary plastic going into the oceans. 3. Whale sharks are migratory species and are found in tropical to sub-tropical waters. Sharks are amazing creatures, and so much has been discovered about them in recent years. It's not clear how common this phenomenon is in sharks or other marine animals, but it is important to avoid putting trash in the ocean which marine life may accidentally consume. Even though you can’t spot them straight away, sharks have highly sensitive ears that are located in very small holes on either side of their heads. "Carcharhinus leucas." Scientists have noticed that males and females of these species have different glowing markings. Sharks are cartilaginous. Shark Week has the power to change the perception and the dialogue surrounding sharks, by helping viewers understand these magnificent animals and ways conservation can protect threatened and endangered species. Whale sharks aren’t the fastest swimmers, reaching speeds no higher  than 5 kmph. "Shark Facts." Researchers believe the bioluminescence is used as camouflage, to identify members of the same species and reproduce. For example, decreasing shark populations may make it more difficult for females to find mates, so they rely on parthenogenesis to produce the next generation. You can change the settings of your browser or, obtain more information in our, 5 Facts About Sharks (We Bet You Didn’t Know). 2. Lemon Shark Facts: Description, Behavior, Conservation. Organisations such as the IUCN, Shark Trust, Shark Advocates and Project Aware all offer background information on sharks, and there is a thriving community on social media of shark scientists and advocates discussing the latest shark-y news and conservation efforts. 5 Facts About Sharks (We Bet You Didn’t Know) Sharks are amazing creatures, and so much has been discovered about them in recent years. 5. World Wildlife Fund. Talk to friends and family members about sharks, and encourage them to appreciate these incredible animals. Many people believe sharks to be giant, solitary hunters who rarely distinguish between humans and their natural prey such as fish and seals. Shark Week has the power to get millions of people talking about sharks and help viewers connect with the ocean. Some female sharks don't need a male to reproduce. I wonder what kind of party packages there are for shark ciento-quinceaneras? Research has shown that some female sharks have the ability to produce offspring without a male, in a process called parthenogenesis (Greek for "virgin creation"). Because their hearing is so good, they can detect prey from far away and escape danger when they’re being hunted.

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