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Size and Speed
Great white sharks can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long and weigh over 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms). Their torpedo-shaped bodies make them fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour in short bursts, helping them catch their prey.
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Razor-Sharp Teeth
With rows of sharp, serrated teeth, great white sharks are built for hunting. These teeth are perfect for tearing into prey like seals, sea lions, and large fish. Fun fact: If a shark loses a tooth, a new one grows in its place—like a conveyor belt of teeth!
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Amazing Senses
Great white sharks have special sensors on their snouts called ampullae of Lorenzini, which can detect tiny electrical signals given off by the muscles of other animals. This helps them locate prey even in murky water where visibility is low.
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Intelligent Hunters
Far from being mindless predators, great white sharks are highly intelligent. They often “test” their prey by biting and releasing, deciding if it’s worth eating. This cautious behavior shows just how strategic these sharks can be.
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Apex Predators
As apex predators, great white sharks are at the top of the food chain. Their role helps maintain balance in the ocean ecosystem by controlling the populations of other marine animals.
