Sharks
Sharks are fascinating creatures. It is believed they roamed the ocean floors even before dinosaurs walked the Earth. They are a very strong species. They have evolved very little through time. Sharks have gotten a bad reputation since the early 1970’s movie Jaws about killer sharks. Sharks have a very sharp sense of smell, but very poor eyesight. It is believed shark attacks are not based on anger, however but on mistaking people for a sea creature and food. There number of human shark attacks is very low, less than 100 per year. Less than 10 people are seriously injured or killed by sharks each year. Ironically, it seems that such incidents are highly publicized when they do occur.
The jaws of a shark are the most powerful of any animal. Both the top and bottom parts of the jaw move. The teeth are razor sharp. The size and shape of the teeth depends on the species of shark. If a shark looses a tooth, a new one grows in that place within days. It is believed the average shark will grow over 20,000 teeth in it’s lifetime. The shark clenches it’s food between both jaws, then shakes it’s head from side to side. This behavior is also viewed as violence by those who have viewed shark attacks. In reality, this is how they always eat.
All sharks are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. They eat large fish, small sea creatures, and mammals including dolphins and seals. They have been known to occasionally eat seagulls and sea turtles. Sharks will attack and eat other sharks if there is nothing else around to eat. Researches believe that is a life skill that has enable the species to live for so long.
Some species of sharks lay eggs while others give birth as humans do. They have between 1 and 100 babies at a time depending on the species and the method of birth. Sharks do not care for their young, but they do try to find a safe place to lay the eggs or give birth.
Sharks are strong, and they are survivors. While they have a bad reputation, most are harmless. They swim the open waters looking for food and a safe location for their young to be born. It is important that you remember you are in their territory when you approach the open waters.
