What Do Sharks Eat & Other Interesting Facts©

Written by American Author Sky Taylor

The Misunderstood Shark - Tigers of the Sea

Sharks are one of the most misunderstood forces in the World of Nature today. Although shark attacks are well documented, the benefits that these misunderstood creatures are capable of bringing to mankind is rarely explored by the media. On that note, you are invited to take a wild and wondrous literary ride through the fascinating world of sharks.

Sharks Under Attack

A single attack by a shark takes precedence in the news, scurrying viewers by the groves, creating an almost hypnotic effect as they watch the gruesome details unfold surrounding the most recent shark attack victim.

Understandably so; this crescent shaped-marauder of the sea exhibits all the elements guaranteed to surface fear in its onlookers; the gapped mouth studded with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth, its length longer than most small water crafts, perhaps the most fascinating predator of the deep.

Man and the shark have unsuccessfully managed to coexist, primarily due to the controversy surrounding shark attacks. How valid are these fears and concerns? Let's address the following questions: Is this fear truly justified? Are sharks the predators, or is man?

Some other things we'll discuss are: What are some of the types of sharks? What do they eat? What products are made from sharks? What part in medical science does the shark play?

What do sharks eat?

Some eat plankton; others feed on fish in the sea. Some of the more interesting things that have been found over time in a shark's stomach are rusty nails, a bunny rabbit, fishing tackle, a boat anchor, the leg of a sheep, human parts – including arms, legs and heads.  

Species & Types of Sharks

Types: Sharks are among the oldest and most primitive of fish. Some of the more common types of sharks are the Bull Shark, Hammerhead, Mako, Great White, Nurse, Basking, Thresher and Whale Shark.

Teeth:The shark's teeth are set into the gum lines in rows and as one row wears out, another takes its place. Some species have many rows, which form block-like 'pavement teeth' used for crushing shellfish. A shark can replace a lost tooth in as little as ten days.

Man-Made Goods:If you've ever been into a shell shop near the beach, you've probably glimpsed shark tooth necklaces. The necklaces tend to fall in all price ranges depending on the quality of the necklace, and the shark's tooth. Sharkskin is also widely used in making a variety of products from boots to billfolds. The shark is also widely fished; shark fin soup is considered a delicacy in some areas and can be quite steep in price.

The Young:Some species bear fully formed young while others hatch from eggs that are enclosed in a leathery envelope. These envelopes generally have long tendrils that curl around rocks and seaweed, preventing the eggs from drifting ashore.

Medical Benefits of Sharks & Predator or Victim?

Medical Benefits:Shark liver oil is a good source of Vitamin A. Some species of sharks are highly resistant to cancer and could one day provide us with a cure for this terrible life-threatening disease.

Predator or Victim? This tends to be a very controversial subject. Are sharks aggressive?  Of course they are; they are predators.

Are they purposely aggressive towards man? Do they hunt man with intent to kill? In most instances they are the victim of man.

Reference for this Science Article: Tom the Biologist

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Reference for this Science Article: Tom the Biologist

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