Some Less Famous Facts About Sharks
September 1st, 2010Sharks are possibly 1 of the most recognized fish species in the world. Nevertheless, most people know very little of the many facts associated with this sea marvel. While this underwater species is well known for their engaging biology, there are certain, hitherto unrevealed facts that make the shark genuinely interesting.
One of the lesser known facts about sharks is that they are cartilaginous fish. Put in easy words, it is a specie whose body comprises of cartilages as opposed to bones. It’s not just the body which is made of cartilages, but the fins too are made of the same. Since this specie has fins made of cartilages, it cannot fold fins along their body contrary to the other bony fishes.
Just like anti acne products are available in a lot of variations, sharks too exist in numerous varieties. However, like only few products like Clearpores Skin Cleansing System manage to make a mark, just a few species of sharks are more popular than the rest. This fish specie exists in more than 400 varieties of different colors, shapes and sizes. Not many individuals are informed about the fact that whale is also a type of shark. Whale is recognized to be the largest shark and dwarf lanternshark is stated to be the tiniest of all shark types, with the average size of 6 to 8 inches.
As bizarre as it may sound; sharks also have teeth replacements. The shark has rows of teeth arranged in its mouth. Once these falls out, the replacements emerge to occupy the space of the fallen teeth. This procedure of replacement frequently takes place within a day of the original teeth falling out. Normally, the sharks have about five to fifteen rows of substitute teeth in each jaw, which make for more than enough replacements for their teeth.
The reproduction pattern of sharks varies from one species to another. While some species lay eggs, there are others that give birth to young ones. There are a handful of species of sharks that have a placenta like humans and give birth to young ones. All sharks reproduce using internal fertilization.
Sharks have always been portrayed as vicious man eaters by Hollywood movies and other media. They have been considered accountable for many of the deaths of humans at sea. Nevertheless, this is not entirely true and sharks are comparatively safer species in comparison to some other undersea creatures. In fact, only 10 of the 400 odd shark species are considered to be deadly. And, they generally just attack when they sense a threat. Although sharks can’t be labeled as ‘man-eaters’; they do have very sharp teeth that may inflict mortal wounds, nevertheless.
Sharks are also, one of the longest living species in the world. Though the accurate life expectancy of a shark is not yet known; on an average, the largest of the species is expected to live for upto 100-150 years. The smaller shark varieties generally have a life expectancy of about 25- 30 years.
So, hopefully the given lesser known facts have updated your knowledge bank about sharks.