Shark Byte Quiz
1) Which of the following is not a shark species?
a) Goblin Shark
b) Frilled Shark
c) Whale Shark
d) Trumpet Shark
answer: D
There’s no such thing as a trumpet shark, but Goblin, Frilled and Whale sharks are all very cool and real sharks that show the diversity of the species. Below is an example of a Goblin Shark, Mitsukurina owstoni, a deep sea species found at depths below 330 ft.
2) How many known shark species are there?
a) 150 b) 200 c) 440 d) 335
answer: C
There are 440 sharks species currently documented worldwide. Pictured: an angel shark eating a horn shark.
3) Sharks belong to the Elasmobranchii subclass of cartilaginous fish, a very distinct subclass that they share with which of the following species?
a) Lionfish
b) Dolphins
c) Rays
d) Orcas
answer: C
Members of the Elasmobranchii subclass are distinct because they look like fish, but are so different in internal structure that they are placed in a class by themselves. They include sharks, skates, and rays (which fly, by the way).
4) (T/F): Sharks are generally short-lived creatures that mature fast and produce a lot of young
answer: FALSE
Sharks mature slowly, have long lifespans, and produce few young. Some species like whale sharks are thought to have lifespans of up too 100 years, but generally shark lifespans are around 20-30 years. This means that when shark populations decline, it takes longer to rebuild the species.
5) (T/F): Some shark species prey on humans
answer: FALSE
Most shark species prey on fish and invertebrates. On the rare occasion that sharks do attack humans, it’s usually because they look like similar-sized animals like seals or dolphins.
6) Which of the following causes the least amount of human deaths per year?
a) Lightning b) Dogs c) Hippos d) Sharks
answer: D
Sharks kill about five people per year on average globally. For comparison, dogs kill 30 people annually, hippos kill around 2,900, and lightning kills a whopping 10,000 people on average. Interestingly enough, although the number of people on the planet has increased, the number of fatal shark incidents has not.
7) Which of the following is TRUE about Shark Fin soup?
a) It only uses one part of the shark, so sharks are generally able to swim away in-tact after being caught
b) Shark Fin Soup offers many health benefits, like enhancing skin quality, increasing energy, preventing heart disease, and lowering cholesterol
c) The consumption of shark fin soup dates back to the Ming Dynasty in China and has been a staple dish at weddings and other similar ceremonies since
d) The shark fin is essential to creating the distinctive taste of shark fin soup
answer: C
Shark Fin Soup is a ceremonial dish that has been a part of certain cultures for centuries. However, shark finning has lead to the rapid decline in shark populations, as the in of the shark is cut off and the animal is thrown back in the ocean to die. Shark fin soup is said to provide many health benefits - but really, sharks contain a lot of mercury, so eating them is bad for you!
8) (T/F): Shark fin soup stimulates the fishing industry, so protecting sharks comes at a great economic cost.
answer: FALSE:
It’s actually estimated that sharks are worth more money alive than dead. Sharks bring an enormous profit to countries where eco and scuba tourism is popular. Not to mention that sharks are keystone species, so they affect the populations of all the fish below them on the food chain, many of which are the backbone of local fishing industries. Killing them actually hurts the economy!
9) (T/F): Sharks don’t really benefit humans
answer: FALSE FALSE FALSE !!
Aside from the reasons already named, did you know sharks are used in cancer research? Shark cartilage and liver oils are currently being studied for anti-oncogenic properties
10) (T/F): There is little I can do to help save sharks because I’m so far removed from the industries that hurt them
answer: FALSE!! YOU CAN SAVE SHARKS!
And you should! Whether it’s spreading awareness, donating or taking a hands-on approach, everyone can help save sharks! Click here for helpful links on how to get involved. #Sharkbyte
WORKS CITED
Chow, Denise. "Why Sharks Generate More Money Alive Than Dead." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 31 May 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
Duffy, C.A.J.; Ebert, D.A.; Stenberg, C. (2004). "Mitsukurina owstoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature.
"How Long Do Sharks Live?" Shark Facts and Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
Jordon, "Guide to the Study of Fishes, Vol. I. pp506-511
"How Many Species of Sharks Are There?" FLMNH Ichthyology Department: Most Commonly Asked Shark Questions. Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2015.
Ringerud, Tanner. "20 Things That Kill More People Than Sharks Every Year." BuzzFeed. Buzzfeed.com, 2 Aug. 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
"Sharks, Cartilage and Cancer." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
