The Habits of Sharks: A Behavioral Study

Who are these famous fish that lurk in the ocean depths? Studies show they have existed for 350 million years. They have keen sight, hearing, and sense of smell. Their eyesight allows them to spot food half a mile away. Plus their sense of smell allows them to detect a single drop of blood a mile away.

Their primitive behavior by nature as a meat eater is not uncommon in this type of fish. Because of their massive size, it is surprising that this kind shark moves so swiftly and silently in open water. When sharks are approaching, their prey are terrorized, whether it is a sea lion, seal, man, or woman. Sharks cannot live on plankton and tiny fish alone. Because of their size, they require a much larger meal. They also have the ability to bite, and swallow their prey whole. This can last them for weeks.

Common to all, is the Great White Shark. However there are many different kinds of sharks. These other sharks are just as dangerous. Dogfish Sharks, Gray Sharks, and Tiger Sharks have just one purpose in mind: to kill for food. People have sighted these sharks around New England, Scotland, Ireland, and Norway in the late fall and early winter.

There were many a fishermen who soon found out how dangerous these predators were. The men were in great danger either by storms or by killer sharks that would rip wooden boats apart leaving the men an easy meal for the very hungry sharks. Some of these cases of shark attacks were reported as far back as 1806 if not earlier.

The fishing industry has made a more durable steel net to catch these dangerous predators of the sea. Sharks that are caught in the net are hauled on board. This has proved to be quite useful. Oil, leather, meat, and fertilizer come from the shark. This helps the economy and environment. What is left of the carcass is then thrown overboard to feed the other fish of the sea.

In conclusion, there has always been the legend of sailors being lured to the sea. The freedom of the open water, the search for unknown land, and the promise of underwater treasure hidden at the bottom of the sea have always fascinated sailors. The human toll was also great. We still hear about shark attacks even today. So if anyone is thinking about going into ocean biology, it is best to thoroughly study this subject. Also remember what is important (money or your life) when you are making up your mind about this kind of a career. The benefits are good. But the risks are extremely high. Be careful about picking the right career.

By Marguerite J. Badger.

Sept 27, 2004