No other creatures have garnered as much mythology or been as widely misunderstood as sharks. The portrayal of sharks as mindless, bloodthirsty, vengeful, and primitive monsters has been perpetuated by blockbuster thrillers and sensationalized media. However, despite being ancient beings that emerged long before the existence of dinosaurs, sharks, with their approximately 500 known species, have successfully adapted to their ecological niche over the span of 400 million years.
Sharks possess various adaptations, such as lightweight and flexible cartilage skeletons, unlimited tooth replacement, and a hydrodynamic skin surface covered with tiny tooth-like structures. They possess remarkable sensory abilities, including detecting electrical signals emitted by prey and navigating using Earth’s magnetic field. Their nervous systems are also specialized to perceive even the slightest water movements, such as the distant struggles of a fish.