Shark Trivia

Sharks have been swimming the oceans for more than 400 million years, which means they predate trees, dinosaurs, and Saturn's rings. In that time they've become some of the most finely tuned predators on the planet.

This quiz covers their biology, their senses, and a few of the species that break the mold.

A Body Plan Without Bones

A shark's skeleton is made of cartilage, the same flexible tissue in your ears and nose. It's lighter than bone, which helps a shark stay buoyant without the swim bladder most fish rely on.

Senses Tuned for Hunting

Beyond sharp eyesight and a strong sense of smell, sharks can detect the faint electrical fields given off by living animals, using organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini. It lets them find prey hidden in sand or murky water.

Not Every Shark Fits the Stereotype

The biggest sharks — whale sharks and basking sharks — are gentle filter feeders. Bull sharks swim up rivers into fresh water. Greenland sharks may live for centuries.