The Biology and Ecology of the White Shark - Research Paper Example

Analysis of Sharks Abstract The objectives of this research paper are to illustrate and indicate the different species of sharks that exists worldwide and their entire effects on humanity. The sharks are analyzed fully on their physical and internal appearances, their speed levels and chances of attacks on humans. This research paper is mandated to indicate the behavior and conduction of the different sharks and to enhance on the species that are dangerous to human beings. The research hypothesis is analyzing the dangers that can be related to human beings and other aspects concerning attacks from sharks. The results of this hypothesis indicate that there exist various notions concerning the attacks and the behavior of sharks without prior knowledge of their diverse behaviors and species. Introduction Sharks are a classification of fishes exemplified by cartilages framework, they consists of several gills that are surfaced to the head, and the pectoral fins not attached to the head .Contemporary sharks are therefore categorized with regards to the class of rays. However, the most ancient shark is dated supplementary 420 million being. Since then, the sharks have thereby diversified to over 400 kinds due to their current habitats (Bruce 69). They vary in size, for instance; the undersized dwarfs, profound sea which are just 6.7 inches extent, the whale which is the biggest fish in the universe ranging close to (39 ft) that is,12 meters.’ The whale only nourishes itself on the undersized fish regardless of the whale’s size, which is by sieve feeding, squids and the planktons. The whales are entirely found in all seas, which range to the intensity of about 2000 meters. However, some survive entirely in the freshwater, whereas there are those with the exclusion for instance, river and bull shark that can habit in both the fresh and salt water without any hitches. For their survival, they breathe through the gills, which are approximately five to seven of them (Bruce 74). In addition to that, they hold up a protective mechanism from parasites and reimbursement, which are made of an external covering that ensures that the shark is protected from external effects. Irrespective of all that, the sharks consist of modified set of expendable teeth. This research paper is a production of a 3D pursuit that is aimed in the enlightening of persons about Sharks .Sharks are compelled to be one of the most fascinating underworld animals ever held out to the audience. It is therefore significant to preserve our aquatic ecosystem and its biodiversity. Method of sharks’ analyses Composition of a shark Teeth- Just like any other living thing, sharks too have teeth. Their teeth are implanted in the stick of gum-other than being directly attached to the jaws; this is because the shark’s teeth are temporarily placed since they are disposable in their life span. However, due to the replacement effect, there is development of numerous teeth in jaws that fall into an attached position. The aspect of temporary teeth has the effect of loosing quite an amount of teeth in their natural life, approximately 30,000 or still more .the teeth substitution entirely depends on the species .there are those that lose their teeth each 8 to 10 days or even a couple of month (Malcolm and Stevens 88). Their teeth are either replaced concurrently or else one at a time as noted in cutter shark, which is for the latter. Similar to any living creatures, the shark’s teeth have their functions depending on the mode of action. The teeth shape is entirely characterized by the diet (Bruce 77).Sharks that nourish on the crustaceans or mollusks obtain smoothened and highly dense set of teeth, the pointed teeth are used for gripping for those feeding on fish, the piercing lower teeth are obtained due to the nourishing of mammals; therefore used for gripping. Skeleton- The aspect of skeletons varies with the type of fish in subject, for instance the skeletons of the fish that are regarded bony differ from those of the sharks. The skeletons of sharks are of the cartilage nature and that is why they are classified as cartilaginous fish. The compilation of the cartilage skeleton is comprised of bones that are strong and flexible. Research has shown that the density of the cartilage is usually half that of the bones of the sharks. This makes it possible for the shark to move since the low density of its cartilage reduces its weight (Malcolm and Stevens 133). This makes the sharks lighter in water and the same cannot apply when the sharks are on land. Their weight cannot be withheld by their strength to move in water and on land because of their large weight. The low density of the shark’s skeleton, cartilage ensures that the shark floats properly in water and that they move freely. Fins - A good number of sharks consists of fins that are essentially used in locomotion being the only means of movement. Majority of the sharks consists of eight fins with the same function. In case of any obstacle while in motion, the shark can only go with the flow but again, to budge off it proceeds in the same direction but ahead of the blockage since it is not in the natural behavior to move about in the direction of the tail. The sharks consist of unsegmented and spongy rays that hold up this elongated fin framework. Jaw– the jaws of sharks are usually not joined together with the skull just like the rest of those of skates and rays that have cartilage skeletons. The sharks’ jaws are usually strong and are comprised of heavy muscles that support them because they are heavy and undergo a lot of physical tension and work. The jaws have layers on top, which are comprised of plates made of calcium to strengthen and give them their desired tension and strength (Malcolm and Stevens 148). Simple sharks have only a single layer of this but some bigger species have more than one. This includes the white shark, tiger shark and the bull shark. Dermal denticles –Sharks consists of diversified dermal made of stretchy fibers that are composite based that hold a set of connections dissimilar to the bony fish. Their expressively involved muscles provide energy during their locomotion that is enhanced by the outer cover- that is the skeleton. However, there is the stability required during locomotion that is provided by this dermal teeth (Bruce 80).They present the merit of hydrodynamic in the diminishing of commotion while whirling. Tails – Basically, the tail is known to enhance movement; and in this case is not an exception. The tail makes available the driving force, creating speed and acceleration depending on the shape of the shark’s tail. There are parts of the sharks that are quite evident to be big like in the case of the sharks’ caudal fins in comparison to the ventral section. A larger exterior area is therefore obtained due to the extensions of the sharks’ vertebral feature into the dorsal section, enabling an efficient movement outdoing the floating of the fish. Majority of this category of fish posses some caudial fin (Last 66). Enthusiasm- the sharks usually relies on the existence of the oil in their liver and their cartilage that is comprised of bones having low density unlike the bonny fish which have swimming bladders filled with gas. Due to its function, the liver of the shark is 30% of the weight of the shark. Some of the sharks requires often swimming to ensure that they have enough breathing air and sleeps for short periods to avoid sinking. Respiration- the sharks uses their gills to breathe in oxygen from seawater just like the rest of the fish. The difference between the gills of a common fish and those of a shark is that those of a shark comprises of a slit just behind its eye. The function of the slit is to develop assistance during respiration and most efficient to the sharks that lies at the bottom of the sea. Ram ventilation is a procedure that consists of the passage of water through the sharks’ mouth and comes out through the gills. This process exists even when the shark is resting so that it can provide oxygenated water to its respiratory organs. The majority compositions of sharks are cold blooded (Malcolm and Stevens 184). This signifies that the temperatures of the inner body organs of the sharks are usually at par concerning temperature with the outer environment. The white shark and the short fin shark, which are classified as the lamnidae family, have contrary behavior to this. Their body temperature is usually higher than that of their surrounding environment. Digestion- the digestive system of the sharks takes longer time than the rest of the fishes. The initial digestion takes place in the stomach where there exists stored from and the stomach of the shark is shaped like a J. the food and materials that are regarded as discarded are vomited by the shark. The digestive structure of mammals has similarities to that of the sharks only that the intestines of the shark are shorter. Senses- the smelling ability of sharks is strong and reliable in its own ways. It is called the olfactory senses and is usually situated between the posterior and anterior openings of the nasal system. This makes it possible for the shark to have very strong smelling abilities. This facilitates the ability of sharks to establish the movement of a particular scent or smell at a given time. Sharks have the same eyes as compared to the other vertebrates apart from an inclusion of the tapetum tissue, which assists the shark in water to have clear visibility. There are membranes that are used to cover and protect the eyes of the sharks when the sharks are under attack or when hunting (Last 78). However, the white shark is exceptional because it uses its ability to roll the eyes inwards thus protecting them from any external attacks. The hearing system of the shark is not yet determined scientifically but they are regarded to have very high senses of hearing since they detect sounds from far distances. Behavior- the shark is regarded as a hunter that operates in the deep ends of the sea and oceans in such of food. The sharks cover many miles in such of food and the areas that are usually favorable for hunting act as the breeding grounds of the sharks. The relationship that exists among sharks is regarded as close since they can exist in hundreds depending on their types. The sharks have an average speed of 8km/hr. this speed can be increased to 19km/hr during the hunting, feeding or when under attack. The white shark and the shortfin shark have very high speeds with limits going up to 50km/hr. this is because of their blood differences with the rest of the shark species since they are warm blooded. The intelligence of the sharks is similar to that of mammals in that it is proportional to the body ratios (Bruce 81). Feeding- the majority of the sharks are regarded as carnivores. The whale sharks make use of the suction effects in the consumption of small fishes and planktons. On the contrary, the basking ones swim across the areas rich in planktons and full of the small fishes with their mouths open. This is their mode of feeding since by so doing, they capture a lot of the small fishes and planktons. The white sharks usually consume the whole of their prey but at times, they consume the prey in parts for easier digestion. Attacks- the percentage or number of sharks that are regarded dangerous to human beings are few. There are only four types of sharks that have been proven to have attacks on human beings out of the 360 species of the sharks that exist worldwide (Malcolm and Stevens 212). The bull shark, white shark, tiger and the oceanic white tip are the four species of sharks that have so far being involved with the attacks on human beings. The notion that sharks are dangerous to human beings has resulted from the lack of differentiation between the different species. In addition, there are film shootings that have instilled the perception that all types of sharks are dangerous and would harm people at any time. This is false and the public should be educated on the different types and species of sharks and their behaviors. Conclusion Sharks are a classification of fishes exemplified by cartilages framework, they consists of several gills that are surfaced to the head, and the pectoral fins not attached to the head .Contemporary sharks are therefore categorized with regards to the class of rays. However, the most ancient shark is dated supplementary 420 million being (Last 107). Since then, the sharks have thereby diversified to over 400 kinds due to their current habitats. Sharks are compelled to be one of the most fascinating underworld animals ever held out to the audience. It is therefore significant to preserve our aquatic ecosystem and its biodiversity (Malcolm and Stevens 233). In addition to that, they hold up a protective mechanism from parasites and reimbursement, which are made of an external covering that ensures that the shark is protected from external effects. Irrespective of all that, the sharks consist of modified set of expendable teeth. Works cited Bruce, BD. ‘The biology and ecology of the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)’. Sharks of the open ocean. Blackwell Scientific Oxford, 2008: 69–81.print. Last, Stevens. Sharks and rays of Australia. Melbourne: CSIRO Publishing. 2009. Print. Malcolm, Bruce, and Stevens, J. A review of the biology and status of white sharks in Australian waters. Canberra: Final report to Environment Australia, 2001. Print. Read More