Shark Awareness Day

Happy Shark Awareness Day!

What is Shark Awareness Day? Well, it's a day that raises awareness of the importance of the shark.

Sharks are critters that have been the victim of stigma. Sharks have a very important role in maintaining balance in the oceans' food chain. Sharks are apex predators, and help keep other species from going too out of control, population-wise. Sharks in media are often portrayed as bloodthirsty and murderous, but in reality, shark attacks on humans are incredibly rare. In honor of this day, here are some more fun shark facts, courtesy of the NOAA Fisheries:.

1. Sharks are very old

Based on fossil records, sharks have been around in some form for possibly 455 million years. These guys have been around for a long time.

2. Sharks don't have bones.

Unlike humans, sharks do not have bones. Instead, their bodies are composed of cartilaginous tissues. T Just like human ears and the tips of their noses. This also helps sharks be more buoyant in the water.  Their skeletons can still fossilize thanks to calcium salts that get deposited in their bones as they ag. The same is true of sharks' teeth, because they contain enamel, just like human teeth.

3. Sharks can sense electromagnetic fields.

If you ever look at a shark, you may notice that they have these black spots near their eyes, mouth, and nose. Those are very special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini. These organs not just allow sharks to sense electromagnetic fields, but also temperature changes. These ampullae, combined with what are believed to be special cells in shark brains, help sharks navigate. 

4. Sharks have a variety of reproductive methods.

Different shark species can reproduce in different ways. Some shark species lay eggs, and others even have live births, like humans.