Question 1: Today’s image features the largest living fish, which is a…?
- Whale shark
- Southern sunfish
- Beluga sturgeon
Correct Answer: Whale shark
Fact: Whale sharks are a kind of carpet shark, known for their distinctive patterns and colors, which can resemble ornate carpets. From the tropical waters of the Maldives to the cooler seas off Australia, whale sharks cover vast distances in search of food and ideal water temperatures. They can weigh up to 20.6 metric tons and grow up to 40 feet long.
Question 2: How do whale sharks feed?
- Filter feeding
- Predatory hunting
- Grazing
Correct Answer: Filter feeding
Fact: Whale sharks swim with their mouths wide open, filtering plankton and small fish from the water using specialized structures called gill rakers. This allows them to efficiently consume large amounts of tiny organisms.
Question 3: What do scientists use to identify individual whale sharks?
- Spot patterns
- DNA testing
- Dorsal fins
Correct Answer: Spot patterns
Fact: Whale sharks are covered with bright white spots and lines. Each shark has a unique pattern, which acts like a fingerprint and allows researchers to distinguish one shark from another.