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 special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini that can detect the electrical fields of other animals.

Source: Shark Magnetic Navigation - Current Biology

FACT

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

Source: Shark Anatomy - Georgia Aquarium

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

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

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF