...Endangered Sharks Rapidly declining shark populations has already been noticed and will continue to decline unless further steps are taken to ensure their protection as endangered species. 50 out of 307 shark species, listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. However, of those 50, only three, the White, Whale, and Basking sharks are protected internationally under CITES. CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Sharks as a whole, represent the highest percentage of threatened marine species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Some well-known species that are endangered are Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Whale Sharks, Great White Sharks, Shortfin Mako Shark, and many tropical reef sharks. The decrease of shark populations has already had devastating effects on local coastal communities. Two of the world’s largest fish are on the endangered list. The Whale Shark is listed as vulnerable for extinction. They migrate seasonally and are targeted by commercial fisheries. Whale sharks feed on krill and plankton so they do not harm humans, the most harm one could face would be to get struck by its massive caudal, tail, fin. Whale Sharks are beneficial to many tropical reef areas. In addition, the Basking Shark is also listed as vulnerable. These are the second largest living fish left. They are found in all the worlds’ temperate oceans and are a...
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...discussed today will be sharks mainly the bull shark. Sharks are one of the oldest animals in the world dating back to almost 455 million years ago. Sharks have went through a lot of changes over the long existence of their species for instance where the mouth is on the head the original sharks are too have their mouths on top of their heads while sharks now have their mouths on the bottom of their heads, early sharks were also near shore predators instead of the fast swimming off shore predators that we have now. One of the ancient sharks was Cladoselache shark which did not have the tooth-liked scales that provided protection like most ancient and modern sharks have and had. These kind of shark did not have the claspers on the male sharks that are used to mate with female sharks even without having these two key parts to the shark this species of shark survived for over a million years. The modern sharks of the day did not become to be until about 65 million years ago when another global catastrophe happened that destroyed a mass number of species to include the dinosaurs and the sharks that survived this include the species of sharks we have today. Most of the sharks up to this point have been predators but about 65 to 35 million years ago there was group that evolved into a breed of filter feeding sharks that came about on earth. The most common today are the Whale shark and the Basking shark. One of the most interesting modern sharks is the bull shark because it has evolved...
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...was approximately 60 million years ago, was when the biggest and most ruthless shark came to be, the Megalodon. The Megalodon was the biggest predator that lived in the sea, it was 20 meters long and weighed over 30 tons. This remarkable creature had 7 inch teeth and had the ability to eat whales with its ginormous size, (Sharkopedia, Undated). In fact people used to believe that their teeth were dragon tongues. Another large shark in the Cenozoic Era was Figure 4: A comparison of the size of a Tyrannosaurus to the Megalodon, (Sharkopedia, Undated) the Otodus ,which grew to 15 meters long and also was a main predator, (Shark Evolution, 2016). Now in the modern Cenozoic there are over 440 species of sharks, most of them were developed in the early Cenozoic Era. However, scientists are always finding new unique shark species that have different evolutionary traits. Diversification and Biogeographic Distribution of Sharks: There are over 440 different species of sharks, making it a very diverse group of animals. Among the shark species there are 8 main subspecies, these include Hexanchiforms, Squaliforms, Pristiophoriforms, Squatiniforms, Heteridontiforms, Orectolobiforms, Carcharchinforms, and Lamniforms, (Shark Facts and Information, Undated)...
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...Shark Education What is Shark Finning? Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark fins and the discard at sea of the carcass. The shark is most often still alive when it is tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom where it is eaten alive by other fish. Shark finning takes place at sea so the fishers have only the fins to transport. Shark meat is considered low value and therefore not worth the cost of transporting the bulky shark bodies to market. Any shark is taken-regardless of age, size, or species. Longlines, used in shark finning operations, are the most significant cause of losses in shark populations worldwide. Shark finning is widespread, and largely unmanaged and unmonitored. Shark finning has increased over the past decade due to the increasing demand for shark fins (for shark fin soup and traditional cures), improved fishing technology, and improved market economics. Shark specialists estimate that 100 million sharks are killed for their fins, annually. One pound of dried shark fin can retail for $300 or more. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. Impacts of Shark Finning Loss and devastation of shark populations around the world. Experts estimate that within a decade, most species of sharks will be lost because of longlining. Unsustainable fishery. The massive quantity of sharks harvested and lack of selection deplete shark populations faster than their...
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...Bloodthirsty, ruthless, killer: shark. For years people have feared and slaughtered sharks because of the bad rap they have received from Hollywood, but these beliefs are not justified. Sharks are not vicious and are actually quite gentle. Of the more than 388 species of sharks only two (the Great White and the Tiger) have been known to attack man and then only because of mistaken identity. Wetsuits and surfboards used by surfers are mistaken by sharks as the thick, rubbery, skin of seals, which are their main diet. Once the shark bites the surfer, it almost immediately lets go because it does not taste like its favorite meal. Not all big sharks have huge jaws full of teeth, as many people believe. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are the most affable creatures you will encounter in our world's oceans. These sharks (that can weigh over three thousand pounds and grow up to five stories in length) have no teeth at all. Instead they have a mouth full of baleen that they use to filter plankton and tiny fish out the hundreds of gallons of sea water that passes through their monstrous mouths at one time. These peaceful giants have been known to let divers ride on their backs and don't show any aggression when approached. People should treat sharks with respect, as they should all earth's creatures. The only way for future generations to learn to appreciate these magnificent creatures (instead of fear them) is through education. This can be accomplished through...
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...Sharks Speech I. Intro 1. Deadly animals that cause fear in people 2. Sharks certainly intrigue people but there is more to them than meets the eye II. Background 1. Origins * 450 million sharklike * 400 million sharks teeth * Cartilage * Carnivorous * Streamlined bodies 2. Common conceptions and misconceptions * Truth- ferocious predators * Not all dangerous * Don’t just kill anything * Not mindless III. Interesting facts 1. Do they die when they stop swimming * Die when they stop 2. Which ones are deadliest/ can jump/ fastest * Mako/blue 60 mph * Blue, mako and g-white * Bull shark 3. Shark fining * Kill for fins * 100 million a year * Devastating population 4. Teeth sizes * Teeth= size * G-white 2in * Whale shark 2mm * 20,000 grown and lost 5. Force of their bites * Strongest jaws on earth * G-white- 1.8 tons 6. Biggest now and then * Whale shark- 50 feet * Megaladon Shark- 60ft * 6in teeth IV. Survival tips * Bull/ Tiger/ Great White 1. How many shark attacks a year * 16 in USA 2. How many people die in USA a year * 1 every 2 yr. 3. What is most dangerous season * summer 4. Where do they come near shore * 6 ft of water 5. Does punch in snout work/ poke in eye * Jab eye and gills * Punch nose has been said to work V. Conclusion 1. Different and unique kinds of...
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...coastline of 452.7 km. and a total area of 3,108.00 square kilometers. It is relatively deep with the deepest at 509 meters. Its coast is sharply sloping and fringe with reefs. Tañon Strait is bounded with 36 coastal municipalities and cities of Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Small islands and islets can be found at the central part and northern boundary of the Strait. Patches of mangroves aggregates are found in the southern coast at both sides of Negros Oriental and Cebu. There are 188.3 sq. km. of coral reef within the strait, composed mostly fringing reef along the Negros and Cebu coastlines. The Strait is a distinct habitat of the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius, local name taklong) and a migration route of Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). It is home to at least nine species of cetaceans, the most interesting of which are the Dwarf sperm whales (Kogia simus) and Melonheaded whale (Peponocepala electra). Thus, the strait is one of the priority areas for conservation of cetaceans and reef fishes. Tanon Strait is important to the provinces of Negros and Cebu. This is where fishermen get their living to have those calamares on your plate. The whales and dolphin has become a tourist attraction in Eastern Negros. ACTIVITIES Bais City is well known for its proximity to the protected marine sanctuary, the Tañon Strait. From the Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bay, the boat heads out to the Bais Bay and into the Tañon Strait where the dolphins frolic...
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...Running head: Sharks Sharks T Tolerico Marine Biology Doctor Cameron Guenther Sharks What do you think of when you hear the word “Shark”? Do you think of the lion of the ocean or perhaps God’s perfect predator/scavenger? Perhaps you think of the movie “JAWS”? Most people will think of the movie “JAWS” and think killer, attacker, and predator. However, are sharks really preying on humans? I view sharks as God’s perfect predator and scavenger. Sharks, like lions, weed out the sick and slow fish to keep the population strong. They also scavenge on the bottom of the ocean any carcasses that settle there. The attacks on humans are more likely the shark “tasting” to see if the movement is a fish. When the shark realizes that the human is not its prey, they move away. Sharks can be found all over the world’s seas, from the equator to polar regions. We are currently aware of about 480 species and there are still species to discover. Some species, known as benthic, dwell mainly on the ocean floor. An example of a benthic is the nurse shark or ray shark. They scour the ocean floor for food. Other species are known as pelagic, meaning they spend much of their time navigating the open seas. Most of the species that we are familiar with are pelagic. Some species even inhabit rivers and lakes. The Bull shark can migrate into rivers and lakes. One important feature of sharks is that they are made up of cartilage not bone. There has been research done on shark cartilage...
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...Sharks One of the most feared predators of the ocean are the sharks, with more than 465 known species of sharks living in our ocean today. They are very popular animals with movies such as Jaws and Deep Blue Sea, these animals are also dedicated a whole week on animal planet they are often categorized as monstrous savages who just attack any and everything. In fact that isn’t a true reputation of them. These animals are survivors and have been around for a long time. These fascinating creatures have caught the eye and imagination of so many people as well as me. There are many things I want to cover over today just to give a better understanding and idea of sharks. Sharks are very smart creatures so its no surprise to learn they have plenty of ways in effective forms of communication. Eventhough sharks are generally loners, so they aren’t in groups. This makes it harder for scientist to observe how they actually communicate with each other than with other animals that live in the water. They have an amazing sense of hearing which is believed most likely to be how they communicate majority of the time. They can hear sounds at very low frequencies so a great part of it won’t even be picked up during the test observations. Sharks also use their hearing to allow them to pick up vibrations and electrical currents from other sharks in the water with them. Most of the communication among sharks involves aggression. They will fight each other not for territory but for food. For...
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...The production method is hidden cameras to document the horror and high end devices to capture the sound waves of the dolphins. The director hires experts to help him aid his way in capturing the horror of dolphin slaughtering. Experts consisted of avionics engineer, head mold makers at industrial light and magic, top experienced divers, surfers, experienced military engineer, etc. The director needed a top expert team to make sure nothing went wrong when documenting the cove. They had rocks that matched rocks in the cove to hide cameras from being sighted. They also had military grade thermal cameras, which you were not allowed to bring out of the country. This would help detect anything with a pulse. They used to make sure that they weren’t being followed when entering the premises. They also had a drone with a high definition camera to film a bird eye’s view of the cove. The drone was made like a dolphin blimp to appeal to the kids, which they told the government officials when bringing it into the country. They had all this experienced individuals and technology, so they can capture everything happening and to avoid troubles with the police. They had two separate cars because they knew they were being followed by an undercover cop. This was a very sophisticated team, to ensure their safety and to capture every detail. Most of the budget was put into this and to get everyone paid and flown into the country. Critic’s praise the film for the excellent editing that...
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...back up after his daily beatings during WWII. Louie had some rough patches when he was younger, that was until he found track. His brother, Pete, coached him all the way to the Olympics. He was eventually drafted in the army once WWII had started, since the U.S. was in dire need of more soldiers. In the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Louie’s defining traits are rebellious and determined. Louie was determined to stay alive. “Louie, Phil, and Mac clawed for the raft walls and threw themselves overboard. They swam under the rafts and huddled there, wincing, watching bullets cut bright slits in the water around them.”(p.118) Louie, starving and weak, still had it in him to get into the ocean to evade the bullets taking a chance with the sharks. On page 186 it says, “The Bird beat him...
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...Burmese Pythons. At 200 pounds and 23 feet, curl around their prey and squeeze it to death. The animal 5 times its size is know annihilated inside the vicious monsters mouth. There are thousands of these snake in Florida's most well know landmark, the Everglades. The presence of the Burmese pythons are changing the Everglades. They are annihilating local animals, affecting people, and changing the ecosystem. People don’t understand the gravity of the situation. To begin, Burmese pythons are killing the local animals. The Everglades is full of life! To millions of animals , it is their home. Prior to when Burmese pythons were released into the Everglades, many animals thrived. Text 2, paragraph 1, says, “With no natural predators, these eating machines appear to be wiping out huge numbers of opossums, raccoons, and bobcats, as well as many bird species.” This infamous species is also eating alligators and deer. Alligators, deers, and bobcats are very big. These monsters can kill any animal. All animals,including humans, are at risk with this snake roaming around this lagoon. All these animals are dying with the presence of the Burmese pythons. In addition, these Burmese pythons are also affecting people. The Python Challenge is a competition allowing people (with a hunting permit or without a hunting permit) to track down and kill gigantic eating machine. You could have a illiterate person who has never used a gun or spear in there life, to o hunt a death killing monster. The...
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...Shark Research Paper You are more likely to get struck by lightning than to get eaten by a shark. Don’t let the word shark fool you, they are actually harmless creatures that are demonized greatly. There is a popular tagging group called Ocearch, and their goals are to protect and research the sharks. Protection of these beautiful majestic creatures are essential to the underwater world. Sharks such as Sophia, have many unique features. The longest whale shark recorded was 41.5 ft long. This shark was named after the size they get to. Whale sharks almost never attack humans and have no intention to. Even though they are as big as whales, they are not whales, which means that they are cold blooded and have to live in warm waters. As you...
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...The caudal fin is the zebrafish tail fin, which is comprised of bony rays that are separated by softer tissues called interray tissues (Blum and Begemann, 2012). The bony rays, or lepidotrichia, are dermal bone; they are segmented and have two hemirays that face each other and are concave, forming a sheath in which fibroblasts and osteoblasts along with blood vessels, nerves, and pigment cells reside (Gemberling et al., 2013). Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a fin ray and its constituent parts from Tu and Johnson (2011). The process of regeneration involves coordinated steps beginning with wound healing. During the wound healing stage of regeneration, which occurs over twelve hours, epithelial cells migrate to the point of amputation to cover the wound (Gemberling et al. 2013). Once epithelial cells cover the entirety of the wound, a blastema begins to form. Blastemas are the region of undifferentiated cells used for regeneration which include mesenchymal cells and osteoblasts as well as fibroblast-like cells (Gemberling et al. 2013). It has been noted that migration of the cells forming the blastema is distal to the fin ray (Wehner and Weidinger, 2015). Blastema formation occurs over the course of two days, at which point mesenchymal cells divide. Three days following amputation, the blastemal cells begin to proliferate and differentiate in order to replace portions of the fin removed during amputation in the stage called regenerative outgrowth, which completes regeneration...
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...Animal rights movements benefit the environment as it maintains the biodiversity of the environment. It is important to note that animals are part of the nature and so to kill or harm them is to harm nature itself. Thousands of animals have become extinct due to human abuse, either by directly killing them or destroying their habitat. for eg. sharks. Each year, humans kill more than 100 million sharks worldwide.Over the last 50 years, numbers of some shark species have dropped as much as 80% Sharks play a very important role in the oceans as they are at the top of the food chain. They keep populations of other fish healthy and in proper proportion by preying on old, sick, or slower fishes. These sharks are often killed for their fins for shark fin soup, a luxury food that is not important for human survival or health but removing the sharks can result in the loss of important foods that we do depend upon for survival. -If we don’t have the animal rights movement to protect the animals, once people overuse the animals they may break the biologic chain, this may lead to the extinction of some animals which breaks the food chain. By ensuring that there is a balance of the ecosystem, it benefits the population at large because that is where we got our source of food. Another important factor, which harms both animals and the environment, is the mass breeding of animals for human consumption. It is scientifically proven that methaneemitting animals killed for food...
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