white shark
Great marine predator
The white shark is a large predatory shark found in coastal waters worldwide, known for its size, power, and occasional attacks on humans.
Adults typically reach 15 feet or more.
The species is more formally called the great white shark: White sharks are protected in many jurisdictions.
Despite their fearsome reputation, unprovoked attacks are rare.
Composed of flexible connective tissue
- gillsAquatic respiratory organs
- finsSwimming appendages
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
nictitating membrane · live birth · pectoral fins · dorsal fin · streamlined · serrated teeth
At risk of extinction
- protectedKept from harm
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- CITESWildlife trade agreement
- cage divingViewing marine predators from protected enclosure
ecotourism · population decline · bycatch · overfishing · marine reserves · tracking · tagging · research
Of the open sea
- coastalOf the shoreline
- temperateMild, avoiding extremes
- oceanicOf the sea
- deep waterSignificantly submerged aquatic zone
migration · South Africa · seal colonies · California coast · Mediterranean · offshore · continental shelf · open ocean
Uppermost point or culmination
- hunterPursuer of prey
- carnivoreCreature eating only animals
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
breaching · attack · bite force · seal hunter · opportunistic · powerful jaws · feeding frenzy · scavenger
Extremely large and heavy
- powerfulHaving great strength
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
- fearsomeCausing intense alarm
majestic · ancient · prehistoric · magnificent · awe-inspiring · ocean giant · impressive · formidable
cartilaginous
Composed of flexible connective tissue
- gillsAquatic respiratory organs
- finsSwimming appendages
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
countershading · nictitating membrane · live birth · pectoral fins · dorsal fin · streamlined · serrated teeth
endangered
At risk of extinction
- protectedKept from harm
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- CITESWildlife trade agreement
cage diving · ecotourism · population decline · bycatch · overfishing · marine reserves · tracking · tagging · research · misconceptions
pelagic
Of the open sea
deep water · migration · South Africa · seal colonies · California coast · Mediterranean · offshore · continental shelf · open ocean
apex
Uppermost point or culmination
stalking · breaching · attack · bite force · seal hunter · opportunistic · powerful jaws · feeding frenzy · scavenger · pursuit
massive
Extremely large and heavy
- powerfulHaving great strength
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
fearsome · majestic · ancient · prehistoric · magnificent · awe-inspiring · ocean giant · impressive · formidable · mysterious
white sharkseal
Authentication stamp or mark
sea lion · tuna · sea otter · dolphin · elephant seal
white sharkmanatee
Large aquatic herbivorous mammal
whale shark · basking shark · manta ray · dugong · bottlenose dolphin