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The Great White Shark is the third largest shark in the world, known for its large size and powerful predatory behavior. It can grow up to lengths of over 20 feet and weigh several tons, making it one of the largest shark species. Its iconic appearance and reputation as a fierce predator have solidified its place as one of the most well-known and feared sharks in the world.
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2.
What kind of tail does a shark have?
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Answer:Heterocercal
Explanation:
Sharks have a heterocercal tail, which means that their caudal fin is asymmetrical with the top lobe being larger and extending further than the bottom lobe. This design helps sharks maintain balance and stability in the water while swimming.
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3.
Which of the following sharks do not exist (to the best of human knowledge)?
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Answer:Antarctic Shark
Explanation:
The Antarctic Shark does not exist to the best of human knowledge because there is no specific species or known shark that is commonly referred to as the "Antarctic Shark". While there are many species of sharks that inhabit the waters around Antarctica, none are officially recognized or commonly referred to as the Antarctic Shark.
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4.
Which species of shark was the first to be protected by being put on the Threatened Species List?
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Answer:Grey Nurse Shark
Explanation:
The Grey Nurse Shark was the first species of shark to be protected by being put on the Threatened Species List due to its declining population numbers caused by overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. This protection was necessary to prevent further decline and extinction of this species.
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5.
What is the skeleton of a shark primarily made of?
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Answer:Cartilage
Explanation:
Sharks have skeletons primarily made of cartilage instead of bone. Cartilage is a flexible and durable tissue that provides structure and support for the shark's body. This allows sharks to be more agile and swim efficiently in the water. Additionally, cartilage is lighter than bone, which helps sharks maintain buoyancy and conserve energy while swimming.
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6.
How many gill slits do most sharks have on each side of their bodies?
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Answer:Five
Explanation:
Most sharks have five gill slits on each side of their bodies, which are used for breathing by extracting oxygen from the water. These gill slits are crucial for their respiratory system and allow them to efficiently extract oxygen while swimming.
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7.
What term describes a shark that gives birth to live young?
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Answer:Viviparous
Explanation:
Viviparous is the term used to describe a shark that gives birth to live young. This means that the embryos develop inside the mother's body and are nourished through a placenta or yolk sac until they are born fully developed. This reproductive strategy is common among many species of sharks and allows for better protection and care of the offspring compared to laying eggs.
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8.
What sense do sharks use to detect electrical fields in the water?
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Answer:Electroreception
Explanation:
Sharks use electroreception to detect electrical fields in the water. This sense allows them to perceive the electrical signals produced by other animals, helping them locate prey, navigate their environment, and communicate with other sharks. This ability is especially useful in murky waters or when hunting at night when visibility is limited.
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9.
What part of a shark’s body helps it maintain buoyancy instead of a swim bladder?
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Answer:Liver
Explanation:
Sharks do not have a swim bladder like bony fish do, so they rely on their liver to help them maintain buoyancy in the water. The liver of a shark is filled with oil that is less dense than water, helping the shark to stay afloat. This adaptation allows sharks to control their depth in the water without the need for a swim bladder.
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10.
What is the name of the shark species known for its hammer-shaped head?
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Answer:Hammerhead
Explanation:
The shark species known for its hammer-shaped head is called the Hammerhead shark. This unique shape of their head, with eyes on each end, allows them to have a wider field of vision to spot prey and predators more easily.
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11.
What is the fastest known species of shark?
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Answer:Mako
Explanation:
The Mako shark is considered the fastest known species of shark, capable of swimming at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. This impressive speed allows Makos to easily catch their prey and evade predators in the ocean.
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12.
What is the term for the rows of teeth sharks continuously grow and shed?
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Answer:Tooth bands
Explanation:
Sharks have multiple rows of teeth called tooth bands that continuously grow and shed throughout their lifetime. This adaptation allows them to replace lost or damaged teeth quickly, ensuring they always have sharp teeth for hunting and feeding.
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13.
What shark species is considered the largest fish in the ocean?
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Answer:Whale shark
Explanation:
The whale shark is considered the largest fish in the ocean due to its massive size, which can reach up to 40 feet in length. Despite its intimidating size, the whale shark is a gentle giant that primarily feeds on plankton and small fish, making it a non-threatening species to humans. Its unique characteristics and enormous size contribute to its status as the largest fish in the ocean.
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14.
What behavior involves sharks circling or swimming erratically before attacking?
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Answer:Agonistic display
Explanation:
Sharks circling or swimming erratically before attacking is a common behavior known as agonistic display. This behavior is often seen as a warning sign or a precursor to an aggressive or predatory attack. Agonistic displays can involve various intimidating behaviors such as circling, erratic swimming, and posturing to establish dominance or intimidate rivals or threats.