Imagine you are swimming in the ocean and suddenly you spot a shark! It would be a terrifying experience for anyone. We usually think of sharks as fierce predators that attack their prey swiftly. But what if the shark you see is not fast but slow? Is that even possible? Let’s explore together and find out which type of shark is the slowest.
Turns out, the slowest shark is the Greenland shark. This particular shark is a type of sleeper shark that inhabits the frigid waters near the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. In these icy waters, the Greenland shark can only swim at a speed of about one mile per hour. That’s slower than many human swimmers! On the other hand, the fastest shark, the shortfin mako shark, can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
So, why is the Greenland shark so slow? Scientists believe it has everything to do with their cold water habitat. When fish are in cold water, their bodily functions slow down. Their bodies become cold, and their muscles do not function optimally. Consequently, they cannot move as quickly as they can in warmer water. Humans do not experience this because our bodies maintain warmth even in cold weather, as long as we take precautions!
Are you curious if there’s anything else unique about the Greenland shark? Absolutely! Not only is it the slowest shark in the ocean, but it also holds the record for being the longest-living shark species. Greenland sharks do not reach full adulthood until they are around 150 years old! Scientists have discovered that they can live up to 500 years, which is longer than any other vertebrate animal with bones.
But how do Greenland sharks manage to live for so long? For a long time, scientists didn’t have a clear answer. Studying Greenland sharks is challenging as they reside in deep, icy waters. However, recent research has shed some light on their lifestyle. It has been observed that these sharks consume small amounts of food relative to their size. For instance, a 500-pound Greenland shark requires less than 7 ounces of food per day! That’s less than half a pound.
They have low food requirements because they have an extremely slow metabolism. Metabolism refers to how organisms utilize energy from food. Greenland sharks possess an exceptionally sluggish metabolism. This makes sense since it is known that animals with slow metabolisms tend to have longer lifespans.
Due to their slow movement, scientists are still uncertain about how Greenland sharks capture their prey. We do know, however, that they occasionally prey on faster animals like seals. Some theories suggest that Greenland sharks are capable of stealthily approaching and catching sleeping seals.
As scientists continue to study these remarkable creatures, we hope to uncover more about their secrets. What questions do you have about Greenland sharks? Perhaps one day you will contribute to answering them!
Give It a Try
Delve deeper into learning, just be cautious of sharks!
- If you’re planning to go swimming at the pool, beach, or lake in the near future, why not try timing yourself? Compare your swimming speed to that of a Greenland shark and create a graph to track your progress over time. This can also be applied to other activities like running or biking.
- The Arctic Ocean is known for its freezing temperatures, but have you ever wondered why it hasn’t completely frozen over? Conduct an experiment to explore the freezing points of freshwater and saltwater. You can find existing experiments or create your own. Share your findings with friends and family.
- Let’s bring out our art supplies! Experiment with different techniques using paint and ice. Paint on ice, freeze paint into ice cubes for fingerpainting, or even try adding salt to your painted ice. You can find inspiration and ideas from various sources. Don’t forget to showcase your creations to loved ones!
References
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 13 July, 2023)
- https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna48422240 (accessed 8 June, 2023)
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/Greenland-shark (accessed 8 June, 2023)
- https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-shark-survive-lifespan-food-metabolism-study-1688228 (accessed 8 June 2023)
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/456880-the-speed-of-human-swimming/ (accessed 8 June, 2023)
- https://oceana.org/marine-life/shortfin-mako-shark/ (accessed 8 June, 2023)
Leave a Reply