Mysteries of the elusive Greenland shark
Learn about the Greenland shark.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
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Transcript
A Greenland shark - it’s the most northerly of all sharks, inhabiting the cold arctic waters around Greenland and Iceland. Living at great depths, few have seen it and it remains much of a mystery.
Virtually blind, the large sluggish predator lets its sensitive nose lead the way. It has detected the dead seal from many kilometers away. The shark inspects the carcass carefully. It’s both a hunter and a scavenger. In these freezing waters it pays not to be too fussy.
The Greenland shark’s metabolism is as slow as its lifestyle. Yet, it’s one of the largest sharks in the world, rivalling the great white in size. And even more extraordinary, it’s believed to grow over 200 years old. One day we may understand this elusive and enigmatic creature better. But for now, it disappears back into the darkness, as quietly and slowly as it appeared.
Virtually blind, the large sluggish predator lets its sensitive nose lead the way. It has detected the dead seal from many kilometers away. The shark inspects the carcass carefully. It’s both a hunter and a scavenger. In these freezing waters it pays not to be too fussy.
The Greenland shark’s metabolism is as slow as its lifestyle. Yet, it’s one of the largest sharks in the world, rivalling the great white in size. And even more extraordinary, it’s believed to grow over 200 years old. One day we may understand this elusive and enigmatic creature better. But for now, it disappears back into the darkness, as quietly and slowly as it appeared.
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