Exploring the Marvels of Shark Physiology and Behavior

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Dr. Chris Lowe uncovers the fascinating adaptations of sharks, from their unique teeth and skin to age determination techniques like carbon dating. The chapter reveals insights into shark longevity, physiological adaptations to deep waters, and the slow metabolism of sleeper sharks. It also discusses the use of electroreceptors for tracking prey, safety measures around sharks, and an intriguing discovery about baby hammerhead sharks 'sun tanning'.

SHAAAARKS. Leading shark researcher Dr. Chris Lowe dishes about bad shark PR, behind-the-scenes Jaws trivia, his thoughts on Sharknado, surfing safety, immune system marvels, cannibal twins, shark personalities, sea sex, and knife teeth. Alie learns that sharks are not the ocean's sociopaths but true evolutionary marvels who suffer from sensationalized reputations and sometimes inside-out butts. Listen up as a science primer during this, the holy Week of the Shark.

(Note: the study of sharks can is also called elasmobranchology, a distinction which could also include skates and rays. Both -ologies are difficult to spell.)

Dr. Lowe's Twitter and Facebook

Dr. Chris Lowe's SharkLab at Cal State University Long Beach

Track sharks and fish and turtles at Scattn.org

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Sound editing by Steven Ray Morris

Theme song by Nick Thorburn