science+daily+23

Secret of Shark's Success  The reason why sharks swim better is because they have small, flexible scales that help them turn sharply at full speed. These scales are called shortfin mako scales. This makes them a better preadator because they can out manuever their prey to catch them. Just like the dimples on a golf ball help it fly farther the scales on a shark help it turn better. These scales' shape is unique so it allows them to change their angles, thus enabling them to control their movements. This is why sharks can turn so quickly underwater. Thoughts and Opinions I thought this was pretty cool because whenever I try to change direction while running fast I always slow down and sometimes lose my balance. They can do this without losing speed. I could see how a fish would turn and try to get away from the shark, but it would lose speed and the shark would catch up to it. One of the reasons I chose this article is because sharks do a lot of weird things. For example some species of sharks need to keep swimming to stay afloat. Sharks are cool animals.