It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Shark Week! This week we celebrate all things shark where you’ll discover the beauty and mystery of these majestic sea beasts.

Shark Week began in 1988 as a week-long programming block on Discovery Channel, dedicated to sharks. In the 35 years since then, Shark Week has grown into a cultural phenomenon that transcends its origins as a marketing event. Shark Week has not only entertained audiences but has also played a role in promoting awareness and conservation efforts related to sharks and their ecosystems. It has helped to dispel myths and misconceptions about sharks while highlighting the importance of protecting these majestic creatures and their habitats.

Whether you are interested in learning more about sharks, their biology, their social behavior, or how environmental policy impacts sharks, the library has you covered! So, for fans of every shark, from Jaws to Katy Perry’s Left Shark and beyond, come on down to the library to check out some of the great resources we have on the subject.

Think you’re already a shark genius? Let’s test your mettle! Check out our quiz below.

Question 1: What is the largest species of shark?

Question 2: How many known species of sharks are there?

Question 3: What is a group of sharks called?

Question 4: Which shark species is known for leaping out of the water, also called breaching?

Question 5: What is the electroreceptive organ that helps sharks detect prey and navigate in murky waters?

Quiz Answers

  1. Answer: The largest species of shark is the whale shark.
  2. Answer: There are over 500 known species of sharks (approximately 535 to be more precise).
  3. Answer: A group of sharks is called a “shiver” or a “school.”
  4. Answer: The shark species known for leaping out of the water, or breaching, is the great white shark.
  5. Answer: The electroreceptive organ in sharks is called the ampullae of Lorenzini.