Tiger sharks helped discover the world’s largest seagrass prairie

One can only guess at the number of whales (both alone or in pods) which inhabit the oceans; just think of how many must be cavorting about between here and Europe alone!

Despite their massive size, they are, at once, both graceful and majestic.

Sharks, despite their sinister looks and their often-bloodthirsty habits, are also, most fascinating; it is interesting to read of the different species of sharks, and then compare them, as to their differences and similarities.

Again, you find yourself thinking of their intelligence, instincts, and habits......

"Long live and prosper"

 

Just think of what can be learned from the kinds of ocean diversity out there. Offers of cell regeneration. I have read that the most alien like groups of life exist in the ocean and has done for a lot longer than land dwellers.

 

An EXCELLENT opinion; i could not agree more.

We often think of ourselves as an "advanced civilization"; in truth (IMHO) I believe it is, in reality, the "lower, more primitive" life forms (such as marine life) that is truly the more advanced of the two.

Regarding marine life, think of how many species have remained almost unchanged for thousands......perhaps millions......of years.

Then, also, on a more sober note, think of the marine animals that have long since become extinct........the evolution of marine life, I feel, is quite fascinating and interesting, but, except for some of the more "enlightened" of us, have no concept of it all, whatsoever......

"Live long and prosper"

 

From the outstanding Ice Age saga, "The Clan of the Cave Bear (Auel).......

".......the massive sturgeon, often upward of twelve feet in length and weighing over a ton, migrated from the sea, where it spent most of the year, into freshwater rivers and streams, to spawn in early summer......"

"........the fleshy feelers on the underside of its toothless mouth gave the ancient, shark-like fish a fearsome, ancient appearance, but its diet consisted of invertebraes and small fish foraged from the bottom......"

"Live long and prosper"

 

Here's an interesting thought.

Shark attacks, of course, are frightening, and, often deadly.

Those who survive an attack are indeed more fortunate than they know.

But, think of this......

When a HUMAN is in the ocean, he is, literally, an INVADER in the SHARK's territory........

:"Live long and prosper"

 

I would be far too terrified to go in to an ocean if I had sharks on my mind. We rarely get them here and that makes them invisible. USA, OZ and other shark territories is full of brave swimmers. How do you manage that? The most dangerous we have is a seagull and a jellyfish. More danger in drowning here.

 

I have not been even anywhere near an ocean since 2001 (Long Island), and the Jersey Shore (1994)

1994 was the last time i was actually IN the ocean.

I have the ocean in my blood for sure (I've often said I was also a Navy man at heart); however, the past several years of numerous shark attacks on both the East and West Coasts have made me QUITE glad that I no longer go into the ocean.

Australia, also, has had some nasty shark attacks.

What IS scary that, many times, a shark will be "on the prowl" in even SHALLOW waters, making even wading near the shoreline at a beach a bit of a risky adventure.........

"Live long and prosper"

 

They are scary. GPRS could sure help track those big fishes.

 

Indeed.

Sharks have, what I would call, a "sinister beauty" to them.

In an aquarium, or on your TV screen, you can fully (and safely) view these voracious creatures with no fear.

No wonder that the now-classic thriller "JAWS" was as popular (and as frightening) as it was.

Then again, jellyfish/man-o-wars are also frightening, with their trailing, stinging tentacles.

They dance about under the sea to a ballet to delicate to hear, moving with graceful strides.

However, any bather or diver would do well to steer clear of them.

The ocean is indeed vast and beautiful, and holds many rare treasures, but its creatures MUST be respected, and, in some cases, feared.......

"Live long and prosper"

 

Nothing more scary than a giant set of pre-historic teeth appearing out of absolutely nowhere while you cant even move faster.

 

You are EXACTLY right.

Sharks indeed DO have a decidedly "pre-historic" look about them.....primitive AND dangerous.

And, look at jellyfish......these stinging creatures, looking for all the world like floating plastic bags trailing strings, have evolved little (if at all) over thousands....or perhaps.....millions of years.

Then, too, consider the evolution of amphibians.......

"Live long and prosper"

 

Life has really produced very unbelievable organisms.

I swear some predators even smile when getting what they want.​

 

The "grin" on a shark is indeed one of both viciousness and ruthlessness.

There is no doubt in that.

One can only look at the shark attack reports of the past several years, especially on both coasts of the United States, to see a sharp and dramatic increase.

IMHO, this is caused by many factors, none the least being global warming and climate change.

Also, another interesting fact to consider; will these factors cause sharks to become more agreesive, and an even greater threat to humans?

This is an issue we will all have to closely (and seriously) monitor.......

"Live long and prosper"

 

Though amphibians, look at the tortoise; virtually unchanged, even after millions of years.

Alligators/crocodiles, I think, have the most "pre-historic" appearance of all the reptiles/amphibians.

Like the shark, one of these "bad boys", indeed, have the look of a creature spawned by Satan himself.

I remember, some years ago, there were quite a few alligator attacks in Florida.

This, IMHO, came as no surprise, as the Everglades are shrinking, and the wildlife (or all species) is being displaced.

I know I certainly would not want to have an encounter with a "croc"!

Stingrays/manta rays, also, indeed have an appearance that looks as though it has changed little in eons.....

"Live long and prosper"