Carcharodon carcharias
Hierarchy of Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Lamnidae
Genus: Carcharodon
Species: carcharias
Even though we depict these massive creatures as dangerous killers, in recent studies scientist have begun to show the distinction between a harmful vicious species and a curious misunderstood being. The research shows that of the annual one hundred plus shark attacks worldwide Great Whites are accountable for one-third to one-half of them. Even though this might seem like a great number the statistics also show that of the shark attacks, only a few are actually fatal. This might not seem significant but what we don't understand is that these attacks are due to curiosity. In most of these cases the shark will bite the victim and then release them. They call this "sample biting." What we can take from this information is the idea that humans are not actually the main course for these large mammals. This doesn't however mean that rare occasions will not occur and shark attacks won't happen anymore but the idea is to stay relaxed if you ever do come into contact with this animal. Of the largest predatory fish in the world, Great White Shark on average are around fifteen feet in length but have been known to exceed twenty feet in length and weigh up to five thousand pounds. Their upper bodies are grey in order to blend in with the rocky ledges of the sea floor. The name Great White Shark comes from the bleach white color of their underbellies. They have many fins and a large powerful tail to propel them through the waters at rates as fast as fifteen miles per hour. The mouths of these animals are lined with up to three hundred razor sharp teeth that shred their prey. Along with their teeth, these creatures have an amazing sense of smell that helps them detect their prey as well. The animals they usually prey on include sea lions, seals, small toothed whales, and even sea turtles, and carrion.
Viegas, J. (2011, 12 04). Animals: Nat geo wild. Retrieved from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/great-white-shark/
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Very cool topic to write about. I love the pictures of the sharks as they use their power to leap out of the water and attack their prey. The raw explosiveness and power of the sharks when they are hunting is amazing - rates as fast as fifteen miles per hour! And when they have three hundred razor sharp teeth as you said, it becomes one of the most feared animals on the planet to humans. So interesting!
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ReplyDeleteGreat white sharks have always been fascinating to me. I just did my blog on the killer whale, which I find interesting for the same reasons that the Great White shark is interesting. Although it is somewhat comforting to know that Great White Sharks are not usually out to eat humans, I would prefer to keep from being “sampled” also.
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I have always found the Great White shark to be very interesting, and of course scary! I did not know that they were not as dangerous as people have always assumed, me being one of them. I guess that's what happens when the make movies like Jaws! Well, I think that your blog is put together very well. I didn't know that they had such a diet, even sea turtles? Although, I would most definitely not liked to be "sampled" although they are not out for the humans.
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I have always found the great white shark to be very scary, and dangerous. After reading your blog I have gotten a better understanding of why they might bite a human. I love the picture that you used they make the shark seem as if the shark is going to come to life and eat you. You gave great facts about the great white shark and your blog was very well put together. Great job.
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The Great White Shark has always seemed very dangerous to me. I would see people coming in close contact to study or observe them, and I would always watch in disbelief! You couldn’t pay me to go near an animal that large, with teeth and predatory ways that are so deadly. It is interesting to read that they aren’t accountable for many of the human fatalities from shark attacks. Many would think they would be responsible for most of them, but maybe you are right. They could just be extremely misunderstood creatures. I liked your post, it helped me to learn a lot more about the Great White Shark. (Word Count: 109).
ReplyDeleteOh I had to reply to this! I love sharks in general, not to mention I did lots of research on the Great White shark. Did you know that they have parasites feeding underneath them. They are not really that bad like you mentioned above, and they are very interesting crreatures. Theit ability to smell blood so far away is magnificent! Great blog Dakota!!
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Wow, awesome blog! I love sharks, especially the Great White, they are very misunderstood creatures that have falsely become known as killers. It’s amazing how they are able to launch themselves into the air to catch seals. I had watched one show during Shark Week this year that went more into depth about this way of hunting their prey. Because the seals are so fast and agile, the Great White sneaks up under them and swims straight up, surprising the seal as it launches the seal into the air. It’s an amazing sight that I would love to see firsthand. Great blog!
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-Cassidy Clark