ANSWERS TO THE SHARK QUIZ
1. Sharks must roll on their backs to bite.
False. This was a common belief before much research was done on predatory behavior.
2. All sharks are dangerous to humans.
False. There are only a few species that pose a real threat to humans because of their size, territory and predation behavior: Great White Shark, Tiger Shark and Bull Shark, e.g. Most shark species are docile unless provoked and many shark species grow no larger than the average household dog.
3. Sharks must swim constantly or they will die.
False. The Nurse Shark will lay on the sandy bottom of the ocean motionless for hours pumping water over its gills.
4. Carcharodon Megalodon is still alive today.
False. There is absolutely no evidence that Carcharodon Megalodon is in existence today.
5. Sharks prefer human prey.
False. We are not a natural part of the ocean's ecosystem and therefore are not a natural food item for any species of shark.
6. There is a species of shark that can survive in fresh water.
True. The Bull Shark (or Zambezi Shark) has been known to swim up river mouths and estuaries. They have been seen more than 30 miles up the Mississippi River. They are occur commonly in the rivers of South Africa.
7. Sharks have bad eyesight.
False. Many scientists and researchers believe that many sharks such as the Shortfin Mako may use eyesight more than any other sense to catch prey.
8. Most people attacked by sharks die and are eaten.
False. Most people attacked by sharks have survived. Very few victims of shark attack have actually been consumed. Most fatalities caused by shark attack are due to blood loss and shock.
9. Great White Sharks patrol close to shore to attack swimmers.
False. Humans are not a natural food item for any shark. Great White Sharks occur in coastal waters due to the fact that they feed on seals, sea lions and elephant seals that live near the coastline.
10. Sharks will eat anything.
False. Many sharks are choosy regarding what they eat. Great White Sharks, for example, must consume large amounts of fat in order to sustain their energy, therefore they must hunt very large prey with a high fat content, such as Elephant Seals. On the other hand, the Tiger Shark has been dubbed the "garbage can of the sea. License plates, parts of manequins, hub caps, etc. have been found in the stomachs of Tiger Sharks. Many sharks make investigatory bites at things which they are attracted to, such as a boat motor, thus giving the impression that they will eat anything in their path.
11. Sharks reproduce often.
False. Sharks mature slowly and have a very slow reproductive rate which is why they are so vulnerable to overfishing.
12. Sharks can survive without their fins.
False. A finned shark cannot hunt prey, flee or defend itself against attack by other sharks or ocean predators.
