Great white shark

The American Museum journal (c1900-(1918)) (17973126708)

Sandtiger shark (Duane Raver)

White shark (Duane Raver)

Shortfin mako shark (Duane Raver)

Evolution of the great white shark

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), also known as the great white, white shark, or white pointer, is a species of large mackerel shark found in the coastal surface waters of all the major oceans. The great white shark is notable for its size, with larger female individuals growing to 6.1 m (20 ft) in length and 1,905–2,268 kg (4,200–5,000 lb) in weight at maturity. However, most are smaller; males measure 3.4 to 4.0 m (11 to 13 ft), and females measure 4.6 to 4.9 m (15 to 16 ft) on average. According to most sources, the maximum size of a great white shark is about 6.4 m (21 ft), but there have been reports of great white sharks measuring over 8 m (26 ft). This shark reaches its maturity around 15 years of age and can have a lifespan of over 70 years.

The great white shark has no known natural predators other than, on very rare occasions, the killer whale. It is arguably the world's largest known predatory fish. It is the only surviving species of its genus Carcharodon, and is responsible for more recorded human bite incidents than any other shark.

Behavior and Diet

Great white sharks are carnivorous and prey upon a wide variety of sea creatures. Their diet consists mainly of fish and seals, but they will also target sea lions, cetaceans (such as dolphins and whales), and sea turtles. They employ a hunting technique called a breach, where the shark attacks its prey from below with such velocity that it breaches the water surface.

This species is primarily solitary and territorial. It has been observed that great white sharks have a social structure based on size, sex, and territory. While not territorial in the traditional sense, they do follow a sort of hierarchy.

Habitat and Distribution

The great white shark is found in cool, coastal waters but has been known to venture into deep water. The highest concentration of great white sharks is in the waters off South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, California, and the northeastern United States, particularly around the islands of Guadalupe, Farallon Islands, and Dyer Island.

Conservation Status

The great white shark is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is decreasing due to overfishing, accidental catches in fishing gear, and the demand for shark fins. Conservation efforts include protective legislation in many countries and the establishment of shark watching programs to help promote sustainable eco-tourism.

Cultural Impact

The great white shark has a significant impact on human culture, often stirring a mix of fear and fascination. It has been the subject of numerous documentaries and movies, most notably Jaws, which contributed to the great white shark's reputation as a "man-eater". In reality, attacks on humans are rare and often a case of mistaken identity.

Research and Observation

Research on great white sharks has increased in recent years, focusing on their behavior, ecology, and physiology. Techniques such as tagging and tracking have provided valuable data on their migration patterns, breeding sites, and interaction with their environment.