5 Unique Facts about Sharks, Deadly Marine Predators

Interesting Shark Facts Discussed

1. Have a sharp sense of smell.

Sharks do have a very sharp sense of smell. This is because sharks' sense of smell is very sensitive, and two-thirds of the shark's brain is used for the ability to smell. Sharks can smell a substance in one part per 25 million. For example, if there is one drop of blood in 25 million drops of water, sharks can smell the blood.

Sharks can smell an odour from a distance of 400 meters-5 km, depending on the type. The smell is carried by ocean currents, so it can be detected by sharks. The faster the water flows, the faster the shark can detect the smell.

2. Can hear objects from a very long distance

Not only smell sharks also have a quite sharp sense of hearing. Sharks can detect sounds from 800 feet (243 meters) away. Sharks have an inner ear consisting of three semicircular canals. In each canal, there are four sensor maculae which have a hearing function. This part has fine hairs to detect vibrations in the water. These vibrations can include splashing sounds or injured prey.

Sharks can hear sounds at frequencies from 10 Hz to 800 Hz, which means sharks are more tolerant of low sounds. Humans themselves hear sounds at a frequency of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz.

3. Sharks can detect electrical signals

This ability is called electroreception, namely the ability to detect electrical signals in the surroundings. Reporting from Kumparan, sharks are so sensitive to this that they can see changes in the electric current from two AA batteries that are 1000 miles apart, even if one of the batteries has run out of energy.

With this ability, sharks can detect the presence of prey, avoid predators and detect the movement of ocean currents. The hammerhead shark with its strange head shape is a shark specialist in detecting electrical signals, which turns out to be this strange head that enhances its abilities.

4. The force of a shark's bite can crush bones

Reporting from idntimes, the force of a shark's bite can reach 4000 pounds per square meter (psi), even more, which turns out to be very capable of crushing bones.

Even so, as reported by Wonderpolis, it turns out that shark teeth are fragile and fall out easily. However, new shark teeth will grow from the teeth that fall out. This continues to happen throughout the shark's growth and development. In fact, if counted throughout its life, a shark's teeth can reach more than 50,000.

5. Not all sharks are carnivores

It turns out that there are also sharks that are not carnivorous, and that is the whale shark. The whale shark is an omnivore and is said to be the largest fish that still exists. According to National Geographic Indonesia, whale sharks are filter feeders that usually eat plankton, crab larvae, small squid or small fish. In fact, recent research shows that whale sharks also eat algae, which are plants.

So, a few facts about sharks, one of the largest predators in the sea. But don't worry, even though the force of a shark's bite can crush bones, the shark will not bite directly but will kiss its prey first. However, if there is the scent of blood, the shark will immediately pounce on its prey. So, be careful when playing in the sea; try not to get injured, which can bleed.

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