Great White Sharks
Recently, a group of surfers in California rescued a baby great white shark they found on the beach. They removed a fishing hook from its mouth, and dragged it back into the water. This incident shows the changing attitude toward the great white shark. While it is still one of the most feared animals on the planet, it is also a protected species.
The great white shark is the ocean's top predator, and its fearsome reputation as a hunter is well deserved. It uses sensors called lateral-line organs to detect its prey in water from over a kilometer away. It also has a powerful sense of smell. It can smell a microscopic amount of blood from many kilometers away. And of course, its massive jaws and razor-sharp teeth are well known.
Today, the number of great white sharks is now dangerously low, primarily due to fishing by humans. To protect it from extinction, many countries have made it illegal to hunt great white sharks. By protecting the shark, scientists also hope to protect its environment.
Predators such as the great white shark perform a valuable function in the oceans. The great white's regular diet consists mostly of large fish, seals, and smaller sharks. By hunting these animals, the great white shark helps to keep their populations from growing too large. Without predators, animal populations continue to multiply, which can harm the ocean ecosystem by reducing the availability of food supplies and other resources, which can reduce the populations of other animals.
What are the lateral-line organs used for?
A. Defense
B. Swimming
C. Locating food
D. Finding mates