Sharks are Cool

This infographic from the California Academy of Sciences and Kristen Kong highlights some of the spectacular diversity of sharks as part of their #CelebrateSharks programming. “Celebrate Sharks” helps to promote scientific information and cultivate interest in these amazing creatures at a time when interest in sharks is stoked by the generally unscientific, fear mongering, and deceitful “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel.

by Kristen Kong for the California Academy of Sciences (All Rights Reserved; Used with Permission)
by Kristen Kong for the California Academy of Sciences (All Rights Reserved; Used with Permission)

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I’ve always thought the goblin shark was the bee’s knees.

Author: Josh Witten

http://www.thefinchandpea.com

2 thoughts on “Sharks are Cool”

  1. I would have thought a bioluminescent body might actually be a two-pronged sword, alerting other predators to one’s existence. So these cookiecutter sharks seem to have no or few enemies who in turn prey on them? I would have thought other (larger) sharks might see them as prey too? (By the way, it should read “stingray” not stringray in the infographic.

    1. While I am not a shark expert, my understanding is that the bioluminescent belly is actually used to prevent the shark from being silhouetted against the light filtering through the water thus protecting from predators hunting from below. Bioluminescent bellies are actually a sign that the shark faces intense predation pressure.

      The infographic was produced by the California Academy of Sciences. So, we have no ability to correct typos. We are only in the position of sharing an otherwise cool and attractive bit of shark trivia. If you want to bring the typo to their attention, the California Academy of Sciences twitter handle is @calacademy, which they do monitor and use for communication.

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