Sharks are fascinating and mysterious inhabitants of the oceans, and the similarities and differences between species such as the Basking shark and the great white continually fascinate marine biologists and enthusiasts.
Basking Shark
These graceful sea creatures have huge mouths and large appetites, but are generally calm and docile creatures. Their feeding habits are limited to plankton and small organisms. Divers usually feel safe next to these giant creatures, but a sudden movement of their tails can cause serious injuries.
Great White Shark
The great white has a predatory nature, powerful jaws and terrifyingly strong teeth. Swimming with them is an act that requires courage and is usually performed by professional divers with protective measures.
Similarities and Differences
The Basking shark and the great white are sister species belonging to the order Lamniformes. At first glance, the differences between these two species are striking, but there are also some common features that bring them together.
Basking shark belongs to the family Cetorhinidae; The great white belongs to the Lamnidae family. Other members of the order Lamniformes include sand tiger sharks, Common thresher, and giantmouth sharks.
The similarities between these species arise from morphological features such as the absence of the blink membrane and the positioning of the mouth structure. Additionally, the fin structure and body shape of these species are similar.
Sharks of the order Lamniformes have a unique vascular system, called the great web, that enables heat exchange. This system allows sharks to effectively regulate their body temperature and hunt even in cold waters. The great network consists of a dense network of capillaries that carry warm blood from the muscles and internal organs to the heart. This system is in close contact with the veins that carry cold and oxygen-rich blood to the inner parts of the body and balances the temperature of the blood.
