MYTH

Whale sharks are the largest, reaching up to 40 feet. Great whites typically reach 15-20 feet.

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF

FACT

Young sharks are indeed called pups, regardless of the species.

Source: Shark Reproduction - Encyclopedia Britannica

MYTH

While reported attacks may increase due to better reporting and more people in the water, actual attack rates remain very low.

Source: Shark Attack Trends - International Shark Attack File

FACT

About 95% of shark attacks happen in water less than 6 feet deep, simply because that's where most people swim.

Source: International Shark Attack File Statistics

FACT

Sharks evolved around 400 million years ago, while trees appeared about 350 million years ago.

Source: Shark Evolution Timeline - Smithsonian Ocean