The shark, a mysterious creature known as the "overlord of the deep sea", has long aroused great curiosity and awe. Their presence on Earth dates back to about 400 million years ago and is a vital link in marine ecosystems. However, the real life of sharks is still full of mystery. In this article, we will unravel the mystery of sharks and take you on a journey through the extraordinary charm of the overlords of the deep sea.
1. Classification and distribution of sharks
Sharks are divided into two main groups, cartilaginous fish and bony fish. Among them, cartilaginous fish mainly include porpons, sawsharks, horned sharks, etc., while bony fishes include sagetails, spiny sharks, true sharks, etc. Sharks can be found in all oceans around the world, from shallow to deep, from tropical to cold. According to statistics, there are more than 500 known species of sharks, some of which live in freshwater environments.
2. The living habits of sharks
Sharks are typically carnivorous animals that feed on other fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc. They have a keen sense of sight, smell, and touch, and can spot their prey quickly. Sharks swim at high speeds to catch their prey, using a strong bite force to tear it apart. It is worth mentioning that sharks have a very fast metabolism, so they need to eat constantly to maintain their life activities.
3. How sharks reproduce
There are two modes of reproduction in sharks: oviparous and viviparous. Oviparous sharks hatch their juveniles inside their bodies and then release them out of their bodies. Viviparous sharks, on the other hand, give birth to hatchlings in the mother's womb, and when the hatchlings mature, the mother gives birth to calves. It is important to note that during the breeding process of sharks, male sharks will fight for mates through fierce fights.
4. Threats to sharks and conservation measures
With the continuous expansion of human activities, the living environment of sharks has been seriously affected. Overfishing, depletion of fishery resources and marine pollution have put some shark populations at risk of extinction. In order to protect sharks, China has taken a series of measures, such as banning the fishing of endangered shark species and limiting the number of fishing. In addition, a number of public welfare organizations for shark protection have been established internationally to advocate people to care for sharks and protect the marine ecological environment.
As the overlord of the deep sea, the mysterious life of sharks has aroused people's endless curiosity. By understanding the taxonomy, habits, breeding patterns, and threats and conservation measures faced by sharks, we can learn more about these marine giants. Let's work together to protect the shark home and preserve the diversity of marine life.