How Does a Shark Breathe?
Sharks breathe like most other aquatic animals with gills. Sharks have five to seven gill slits on each side of their head that allow seawater to enter and exit. Once seawater enters the gills, oxygen is extracted from the water and transported to the rest of the body. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is released from the gills back into the water.
Sharks must constantly move water over their gills to extract the necessary oxygen. If a shark stops swimming, water flow over the gills will cease, and the shark will quickly suffocate. This is because the muscles that control the gill openings are not strong enough to pump water through the gills without the assistance of forward movement.
Related Questions and Answers
- Do sharks breathe air?
- No, sharks breathe oxygen from water through their gills.
- What is the danger of sharks stopping swimming?
- Sharks will suffocate if they stop swimming because they cannot pump water over their gills.
- How do sharks avoid predators while they sleep?
- Sharks can enter a state of tonic immobility, where they remain motionless, to avoid detection.
- What is the lifespan of a shark?
- The lifespan of a shark varies depending on the species, but some species can live for over 100 years.
- What is the largest shark species?
- The whale shark is the largest shark species, growing up to 40 feet in length.
Related Hot Sales Products
- AquaLung Dive Mask
- Cressi Fins
- O'Neill Wetsuit
- Sharkbanz Wristband
- GoPro Camera
Pre：How long can a shark stay alive outside of water
Next：What is a neoprene swimming headband