Sharks

They might hold a reputation as one of the ocean's most ruthless predators, but new research has shown that different species of sharks can actually go to some lengths to keep peace in the seas by doing their hunting in shifts.

Sharks have been around a long time, so it should come as no surprise to hear that even the first humans had run-ins with them. Scientists have now discovered evidence of the earliest-known such attack, which occurred 3,000 years ago in Japan.

Scientists have discovered a hitherto unknown mass extinction event that decimated the global shark population some 19 million years ago. The study authors say the event saw sharks almost entirely disappear from the open ocean in its wake.

The whale shark and the manta ray are perhaps two of the ocean's most fascinating large fishes. Well, scientists have now announced the discovery of a prehistoric ancestor of both, that looked like a cross between the two.

The great white shark may be one of the ocean's top predators, but it's still affected by climate change, just like any other animal. That's what's indicated by a new study, which shows that young great whites in California are moving to the north.

Scientists examining shark and ray populations across the globe have published an alarming study depicting a rapid decline of these species over the past half century, with the blame mostly resting at the feet of unsustainable fishing practices.

Sharks pre-date even the earliest dinosaurs, so it's not surprising to hear that they've changed over the years. It was recently discovered, for instance, that they were once able to rotate the two sides of their jaw outwards, helping them to feed.

Be thankful you didn’t live 20 million years ago, when the seas were patrolled by the Megalodon. This monstrous prehistoric shark was more than twice the size of a great white, and now a new detailed analysis has found just how big it really was.

Scientists in Australia have delved into the dining habits of juvenile great white sharks and discovered a humble diet that belies their image as a fearsome predator, with bottom-dwelling creatures making up a decent portion of their meals.

Although the great white shark is one of the ocean's top predators, it's still a vulnerable species. Now, scientists have discovered what they say is a prehistoric nursery site for the sharks, and it could have implications for protecting them today.

It turns out that there still are new things under the sun – or in this case, under the water. Scientists have recently discovered not one but two previously-unknown species of the six-gill sawshark, which is itself rarely seen.

Scientists have observed four new species of shark using their fins to walk across the sea floor, a motion rarely seen in the animals and one that affords them a strong advantage over the smaller creatures they prey on.