Homeschool Unit Study: Sharks

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Sharks are some of the most beloved, yet feared, creatures on the planet. It’s easy to get obsessed with these fascinating creatures, and one might argue that this interest is well deserved, as sharks are truly extraordinary animals.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of sharks is their ability to survive. Some fossils of sharks date back around 400 million years, meaning that they outlived dinosaurs. More than 1,000 different species of sharks and rays roam the seas. These majestic animals come in a wide selection of sizes, from as short as 8 inches to as long as 40 feet, boasting an impressive weight of up to 11 tons.

Sharks are some of the best hunters in the sea. Many sharks are the apex predator in their ecosystem, which means they are at the top of the food chain. But what makes sharks such good hunters?

Well, the first advantage they have is their senses. Sharks have a very keen sense of smell, and their eyes are well adapted to an underwater environment. A big advantage that sharks have, though, is a special sense called electroreception. This lets them detect electrical currents that are produced by all living things. This helps them to find fish that are hiding in the sand or in environments where there might be poor visibility conditions.

Another trait that makes sharks great is their ability to swim. Most sharks have eight fins including their tail. This helps them to not only move quickly but also move accurately. Many species of sharks especially the hunters have fin placement that helps them to make quick turns and fast maneuvers to help them chase and catch prey.

Not all sharks are predators, though. The whale shark, the biggest fish in the world, is a filter feeder like whales. That is how it got its name. Filter feeding just means that the shark pulls water into its mouth then pushes it out between its fine teeth so that all of the really small things that most other animals don't eat get filtered out and the shark can enjoy an easy meal. Whale sharks are also known as some of the friendliest fish in the sea. Most whale sharks are pretty tolerant of divers and don't mind the company. Some will even play with the divers.

These extraordinary animals hold an iconic role in the minds of their fans as well as a crucial role to the ecosystem as a whole. Get ready to delve into a fun, interesting, and exciting unity study on sharks!