AI Animal Encyclopedia

shark

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Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii, Selachimorpha (includes various species such as Great White Shark - Carcharodon carcharias, Tiger Shark - Galeocerdo cuvier, Hammerhead Shark - Sphyrna)
Sharks are found in a variety of marine environments including oceans, seas, and sometimes in freshwater rivers. They inhabit all depths of the ocean, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.
Sharks vary greatly in size. The smallest species, such as the Dwarf Lanternshark, can be about 8 inches (20 cm) long, while the largest, the Whale Shark, can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) or more.
Shark weights also vary widely. Smaller species like the Dwarf Lanternshark weigh only a few ounces, while larger species like the Great White Shark can weigh over 2,000 pounds (900 kg).
Sharks generally have long lifespans, with many species living between 20 to 30 years. Some species, like the Greenland Shark, can live for over 400 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates.
Sharks are carnivorous and primarily eat fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. Their feeding habits can vary widely among species; for example, the Whale Shark is a filter feeder that consumes plankton and small fish, while the Great White Shark is a top predator that hunts seals and larger fish.
Sharks are known for their migratory habits, often traveling long distances in search of food or to breed. They are generally solitary, but some species may form schools, especially during mating seasons.
Adult sharks have few natural enemies, but they can be preyed upon by larger sharks, orcas (killer whales), and humans. Juvenile sharks are more vulnerable to predation by larger fish and birds.
Sharks have been on Earth for more than 400 million years, making them older than dinosaurs. They have a unique sensory system that allows them to detect electrical fields generated by other animals, aiding in their hunting abilities. Sharks are also crucial to marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of species populations.