Debunked popular myths about sharks. Photo

43

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. ФотоWho would have thought!

Who is harmless – the mosquito or the shark? It would seem, a rhetorical question: it should be clear that the tiny mosquito is not able to cause any significant damage to the person, in contrast to the aggressive multi-ton animal. In fact, the shark cannot be called more dangerous than the mosquito, and most of the myths about them we invented ourselves.

Sharks often intentionally attack people

This stereotype was formed largely through the efforts of Hollywood movies and media, which portrayed sharks ruthless, ever-hungry, perfect killing machines. In fact the situation is exactly the opposite: according to world statistics, every year from shark attacks killed an average of 10 people, while people over the same period 100 million to exterminate these predators. For comparison, from mosquito bites every year kills about 750 thousand people, from the shock of the lightning is about 6000, not to mention hundreds of those who become a victim of falling icicles or coconut, and also unfortunate taking off the cork of champagne. Sharks in the rating of mortal dangers to humans are almost at the bottom – below dogs, elephants, snakes, ants and even snails. In addition, most of these attacks – provoked, because the sharks do not believe a person worthy prey and priority power source.

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. Фото

All sharks are huge

Perhaps the most popular image associated with sharks great white shark. This archetype is also disseminated by blockbusters and horror films: a huge predator, giant jaws, sharp teeth, which the animal grinds its prey. In fact, in the world there are about 500 species of sharks, and the largest whale, reaching 14 meters in length and weighing under twenty tone – pose no danger to humans as they feed solely on plankton. She even gives the divers to stroke and not paying any attention to them. But big types – it is only 10% of the total number of predators. Mainly small sharks, and even small six-meter thresher, tiger’s five-meter, three-meter blue and Mako, a four-foot blacktip and even twenty centimeters Brazilian glow. By the way, those great white sharks are not very large: the average size of individuals is 4.5 meters.

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. Фото

The brain of a shark the size of a walnut

The myth that the brain of a shark does not exceed the size of a walnut, due to the fact that before the scientists measured exclusively by the brain. He’s actually much larger – about 60 centimeters. It is attached to two large olfactory bulbs. Together with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, they constitute the forebrain. The hypothalamus produces hormones that regulate heart rate and metabolism, and the pituitary gland secretes hormones responsible for blood pressure and growth. Midbrain interpreterpath visual information, and the rear coordinates the movement of the body. In General, sharks have one of the highest ratios of weight between the brain and the body among the fish – almost as in birds and lower mammals.

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. Фото

Sharks are stupid

Sharks appeared on Earth for 450 million years – they are considered among the most ancient creatures on the planet. They have experienced almost 98% of species ever to inhabit the world, and during that time managed to develop a notable intellectual ability. Sharks are quite teachable, which is confirmed by dozens of experiments and research, they are able to distinguish between optical illusions and real objects, to perform different tricks and play them even after a year without training. They are familiar with several strategies of hunting and different prey sharks choose the most appropriate method – in this case the attack is preceded by careful surveillance of the victim, analysis of her appearance, movements and sounds that she makes. Never shark attack on a huge elephant as well as the attacks on the Navy seal simply because they do not want to suffer. In addition, sharks have individual set of features – that is, nature: some of them playful, some bold, others timid and indecisive, still others prefer the society of other dogs, and someone entire life in solitude.

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. Фото

The shark can’t be fixed

The stereotype that stop for the shark – like death, arose from the absence of these predators the Gill covers. These muscles help to pump water through the gills, thus providing a constant supply of oxygen. Therefore, it was assumed that for continuous ventilation and washing of the gills, sharks have to keep moving, the water flowing through the mouth. In fact, most sharks have successfully adapted to rest in shallow waters where tides create constant flow and fluctuation of water, and in the deep grottoes and caves: there is often an influx of fresh water with high oxygen content that allows predators to remain immobile for long periods and not die of hypoxia.

Развенчаны популярные мифы об акулах. Фото

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here