Sharks
Evolution
Sharks. This incredible creature that we know so little about has intrigued scientists for ages on end. Its fascinating skeletal structure consisting only of cartilage, its unique way of hunting, its uncanny ability to sense electric fields. These probably aren't even a speck of the overall characteristics, predatory skills, and other such categories that you might section a shark into.
They have been around since the dinosaurs, maybe even before. The living dinosaur, as some people refer to them. They are the perfect life form. They would have to be to survive such a long time, in such critical circumstances, and so long. They are the living being with the least evolution worldwide. The Great White shark, also known as the man-eater, is the most perfect of them all. Even though it is the shark that has evolved the most, the results are twice as much. Originally from the Megamouth or Megatooth shark, it has the worst reputation. Their ancestors, the Megamouths (scientific name: Megalodon Charcharadon), had six rows of teeth on the top and bottom in one enormous mouth, hence the name: megamouth. It is almost as big as a Basking Shark, which can vary anywhere from 45-55 ft. in length. This giant ruled the ocean, and still does, though with only two of its species left known alive today. Through evolution, the Great White has obtained the third eye, meant for sensing weak electric fields distancing to four miles away from the shark itself. This gain was definitely a big bonus for hunting. He also gained more gill slits, allowing him to swim at much more regulated speeds when needed.
Many sharks other than the Megalodon have evolved into new species as well such as the Whitetip Reef Shark, evolved into the Ocean Whitetip Shark, becoming more graceful and slick in the water. Other sharks, such as the Tiger Shark, have evolved very little, only changing tiny details, such as the number of teeth. The least evolved shark is the whale shark, which has no natural predators. Known as the "friendly giant", this amazing creature even allows divers to hitch a ride on their pectoral fins. Having no teeth, this shark merely sifts the water through his mouth and swallows the plankton and other tiny invertebrates such as shrimp. It has no known ancestor, therefore, although maybe found in years still to come, has not evolved at all.
Many sharks have been thought perfect, but were later proved quite the contrary. The evolution is one of the hardest things to follow, since it dates back even farther than any time period discovered so far. Because of this, it is hard for scientists to be 100% accurate, so many things we think we know actually don't exist, and vice-versa. Because of this, sharks are one of the most feared creatures around the world. What is so neat about them is that they are modern-day dinosaurs, and researchers can learn so much from them and connect it with marine animals that are completely extinct. Scientists also have a part in this huge fear, for they are the ones that put sharks' ancestors in such sickening terms. Some movies such as "The Return of The Megamouth" show the few of the attacks on humans that actually existed. In fact, there are only about five attacks shown, and that is about a good 20% of the overall count. Such prehistoric creatures are bigger, but that doesn't mean they are fiercer. Evolution has occurred, which changes the whole perspective. Evolution has made them more skillful in hunting, but not more dangerous to human beings.
Although we don't quite understand their relatives, we know a little more about the present sharks. Many mysteries still lie ahead, and some that we know a little about are still baffling scientists today. We can only hope to discover at least a few more things about this important creature. And even more mysteries will form as sharks slowly evolve, for nothing on this planet ever stops changing.