Summer of Sharks

Sharks are some of the most remarkable and ancient creatures in the ocean. Here are some fascinating facts about these unique animals:

• Ancient Predators: Sharks have been around for over 400 million years, which means they predate dinosaurs by about 200 million years. Their basic design has changed little since then, making them some of the oldest creatures on Earth.
• Varied Species: There are over 500 species of sharks, ranging in size from the tiny dwarf lantern shark, which is about 8 inches long, to the massive whale shark, which can reach lengths of up to 40 feet or more.
• Cartilaginous Skeletons: Unlike most fish, sharks don’t have bones. Their skeletons are made of cartilage, which is lighter and more flexible. This adaptation makes them incredibly agile swimmers.
• Sensory Superpowers: Sharks have exceptional senses, including the ability to detect electrical fields. Special sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini allow them to detect the weak electrical impulses produced by other animals, which helps them locate prey even in murky water.
• Sharp Teeth for Life: Most shark species constantly shed and regrow their teeth, sometimes producing as many as 30,000 teeth over a lifetime. This ensures they always have sharp teeth to catch prey.
• Top of the Food Chain (But Vulnerable): As apex predators, sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by keeping prey populations in check. However, many shark species are endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and the shark fin trade.