Jakarta –
Sharks and dolphins are animal predators and carnivores in the ocean. Despite having two similarities, dolphins are more commonly known as friendly and harmless animals. Meanwhile, sharks are known to be more vicious and can even attack.
Although known to be friendly and harmless, dolphins are actually avoided by sharks in the sea. Not because of fear or dolphins as natural enemies of sharks, but according to Stephen Kajiura, a shark expert at Florida Atlantic University, sharks are attacked by dolphins if they feel threatened.
“Dolphins and sharks generally swim side by side ‘mind their own business’, (but) dolphins sometimes antagonize sharks when they feel threatened,” Kajiura said. Live Science.
These more aggressive dolphins will either hit the shark with their nose, or slam it with all their strength. The sharks sometimes even swim away from the encounter causing them to be bruised and battered.
Here are some reasons dolphins are avoided by sharks:
1. Have a flexible body
Physically, the outer body or skin of a dolphin tends to be soft. This is coupled with flexible skeletal joints that make it easier for dolphins to maneuver quickly in combat.
2. Have a horizontal tail
Tail vertical plane shark restricts upward and downward mobility while the horizontal plane of the dolphin’s tail allows agility and change of direction for quick attacks.
3. Have a strong blunt muzzle
As Kajiura said above, dolphins rely on their strong snouts. The snout of a dolphin is made of very strong and thick bone. When there is interference from the shark, the dolphin will position itself a few meters below the shark and then slide up by sticking its snout into the shark’s stomach.
What other reason do dolphins stay away from sharks in the sea? CONTINUE READING CLICK HERE.
(aci / som)
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