How Do Sharks Adapt to Their Environment?

Sharks are capable of adapting quickly in different environments by adjusting their unique physical features to their surroundings. The shark can adjust its internal temperature to live in a various climates. The shark’s incredibly tough skin provides high defense from the attacks of other predators and the color of their skin gives them camouflage abilities underwater.

The adaptive features of sharks have enabled the species to survive in waters all over the world for more than 400 million years. Although the shark is a capable predator in many waters, sharks mainly change their environment when in search of food. Sharks can also detect aquatic wildlife in the area by utilizing electromagnetic fields; this makes it easier to protect themselves and spot potential meals at any time. They readily travel long distances to another region to survive when food in one environment becomes scarce. These sea creatures can smell prey from over a mile away and they have multiple rows of extra sharp teeth to crush any animal. Sharks remain submerged thousands of feet below the water’s surface and they only rise during mealtime. Amazingly, sharks actually sleep with their eyes open, and only one hemisphere of their brains rests during periods of slumber.