1. Sharks have been around for 400 million years.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pre-dating dinosaurs <\/a>and even trees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A testament to just how effective their anatomical make-up is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 500 known species if you include those that are extinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the 8 inch pygmy lantern shark, right up to the 60ft whale shark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re more likely to be struck by lightning! Most shark attacks are because sharks have mistaken a human for prey such as a seal. Sharks do not actively hunt humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But each have their own unique features, such as the hammerhead shark with it’s large sweeping head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cartilage is more durable and lighter than bone, helping the shark save energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, they have an oil filled liver that offers buoyancy, using this in conjunction with forward movement to control vertical position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They move separately , allowing them to thrust forward and latch onto prey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These tiny hexagonal plates are made up of calcium salt deposits, giving cartilage more strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are fully embedded into the gums, with shape and size varying depending on their purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n When a shark breaks or loses a tooth, a new one moves forward to replace it, much like a conveyor belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tooth replacement rates vary from several days to several months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pair of pectoral fins, a pair of pelvic fins, one or two dorsal fins, an anal fin and a caudal fin (tail).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ranging from small bivalves and crustaceans, to seals and even other sharks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They generally avoid fresh water with the exception of some species, and are commonly found to a depth of 2,000 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many sharks a very social, hunting in packs or congregating in large numbers during breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n Some species have evolved to remain stationary, resting on the sea bed and pumping water over their gills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some species are able to \u2018sleep swim\u2019, as their swimming is coordinated by their spinal cord as opposed to their brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can even determine the direction of a particular scent based on the time it takes to reach one nostril compared to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as their acute smell, sharks have great eyesight even in dimly lit environments. This is due to a mirror like layer in the back of the eye called the tapetum lucidum (the same found in cats).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located within a small opening on each side of their head. Sound travels faster in water, and sharks rely on sound heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharks have electroreceptor organs called \u2018ampullae of Lorenzini\u2019, and they use this to detect electromagnetic fields which all living creatures emit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maturing slowly and reaching a reproductive age anywhere from 12 to 15 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means they produce a small number of larger, more developed young, as opposed to a mass number of under developed young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though they can also be referred to as a ‘school’ of sharks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharks do not prey on humans. Shark attacks on humans are a case of mistaken identity, where a shark mistakes a human for prey such as a seal. Shark attacks are incredibly rare, and you’re more likely to get struck by lightning.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The epaulette shark is unique in its ability to walk on land. They use their fins to traverse 100 ft or more (30m), across dry land. They can also hold a single breath for up to an hour, allowing them to traverse coral reefs in search of food. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n No, the Megalodon became extinct over 2.6 million years ago. There have been several hoaxes over the years, but if the Megalodon was still alive there would have been sightings. This is because they would be a top apex predator, and due to their size, they would need to find continuously. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Most sharks have to swim constantly to keep water flowing over their gills, so they can get oxygen. As such, it is believed that sharks never truly enter a true state of sleep. However, research has shown that some sharks have adapted to sleep while stationary, at the bottom of the ocean floor. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Yes, sharks do poop. They have a digestive system much like other fish, meaning they have to get rid of waste just like everybody else. Sharks poop while swimming and it looks like a big brown\/green cloud in the water. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2. Sharks have had little need to evolve.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. There are over 400 types of shark.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Sharks vary widely in size.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Despite their negative portrayal in media and film, shark attacks are extremely rare.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Shark anatomy is fairly consistent across the species.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Sharks have skeletons made up of cartilage rather than bone.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Unlike most fish, sharks don\u2019t have a gas-filled swim bladder.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. The jaws of sharks are not attached to their skull.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. The surface of a shark\u2019s jaws have extra support called \u2018tesserae\u2019.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Shark\u2019s may have up to 3,000 teeth at one time.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jellyquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/shark-jaw.jpg\")
12. Sharks continuously grow multiple rows of teeth.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. It\u2019s estimated that some sharks may lose 30,000 or more teeth in their lifetime!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
14. Most sharks have 8 rigid fins.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
15. All sharks are carnivorous.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
16. Sharks can be found in all seas.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
17. Not all sharks are solitary hunters.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jellyquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/sharks-together.jpg\")
18. Sharks need to keep moving in order to breathe.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
19. Sharks never enter a true state of sleep.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
20. Sharks can detect blood at one part per million.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
21. Sharks have keen eyesight.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
22. Sharks have ears.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
23. Sharks can detect electricity.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
24. Most sharks live 20-30 years.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
25. Sharks are a k-selected species.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
26. The collective noun<\/a> for sharks is a ‘shiver’ of sharks.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shark FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n
Do sharks kill humans?<\/h3>\n
Which shark can walk on land?<\/h3>\n
Is there one Megalodon left?<\/h3>\n
Do sharks sleep?<\/h3>\n
Do sharks poop?<\/h3>\n
Shark Fact-file<\/h2>\n\n\n\n