MYTH

While sharks have an excellent sense of smell, they can only detect blood from about a quarter mile away under ideal conditions.

Source: Shark Sensory Biology - Florida Museum

FACT

Sharks have skeletons made entirely of cartilage, the same flexible material in human ears and noses.

Source: Shark Anatomy - Georgia Aquarium

FACT

Sharks first appeared around 400 million years ago, while dinosaurs appeared around 230 million years ago.

Source: Ancient Sharks - Natural History Museum

MYTH

Of over 500 shark species, only about 10 are considered dangerous to humans. Most sharks are harmless.

Source: Shark Species and Human Risk - NOAA Fisheries

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research