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

MYTH

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

Source: Whale Shark Facts - WWF

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

Source: Ancient Sharks - Natural History Museum