Great White Shark
The great white sharks are the largest carnivores that you can find in the ocean. Scientists are still studying these fascinating creatures and trying to unravel their mysteries. They know that they are creatures that travel alone and are in constant search for food. They have still not determined how long they live and how quickly they grow.
Experts are only beginning to see the great use that these fearsome creatures play and the role that they provide in order to keep the ocean safe. For example they feed off of the sick and the weak creatures and keep the deal and sea lion population in check. They are worried that the hunting of the great white might cause them to be downsized greatly.
Scientists have been able to study their predatory behavior. They have been studying and recording them off the coast of California and studying the way in which they feed of their prey. They are hoping that they can discover how and when to expect an attack from them so that people can be warned and can protect themselves.
Great white sharks have many uses that make them so good at killing their prey. They use ampullae of Lorenzini, a specialized sensory organ, that is located in the snout of the shark. This organ is able to alert the shark to electrical currents that are as little as .005 millivolts that are created by every living creature found in the water. They also have a very sensitive and great sense of smell. This ability gives them the chance to detect the smallest amounts of blood that is in the water up to 5km. away.
The great white has been given great camouflage while in the ocean because they are dark on the top and light on the bottom. This makes it hard for other animals to see them when they are swimming on the bottom of their prey right before they attack. Their enormous and powerful bodies make it easy for them to strike their prey hard. Thier tail gives them that burst of energy for striking out with strength.
When attacking their prey, the great white will swim below and then lunge at them. Usually the first blow will kill them. They will then back away and let their victim bleed to death so that they do not have to waste the effort in fighting with it. This may be an odd strategy, but many humans are grateful for it because it allows them to escape when they have been attacked.