The great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, is likely the worst feared shark currently living in the ocean. Because of the mo
vie Jaws, most people are well aware of this creature. At an average 17 ft (5.2 m) in length, and weighing over 2400 lb (1,100 kg), this monster is a primeval eating machine. It regularly feeds on dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, sea lions, and many species of fish. Ichthyologists have even observed great whites eating birds by leaping out of the water and catching them in their massive jaws.
These adept hunters make use of an organ known as the Ampullae of Lorenzini, which allows the fish to detect the electromagnetic fields created by the movement of living animals. Whenever a living creature moves, it generates an electrical field. Great whites, among other sharks, can detect this field up to one half a billionth of a volt. This allows the great white to detect prey by the movement of its heartbeat.
Scientists know little about the social habits of the great white. The animals have a strict hierarchy according to size, gender, and age. The majority of their time is spent hunting. Mating encounters are brief, and mothers give birth to live young. It is not known how long great whites live, but scientists estimate the creatures can live anywhere from 75 to 100 years of age.
11
Sandra is assigned to write a research paper on the feeding habits of great white sharks. In her research, she has found this passage from Bob's Shark Library, a hobbyist Web site.
If she were to use this as a source, which of the following quotes from the passage would best support her thesis?
A.
"Ichthyologists have even observed great whites eating birds by leaping out of the water and catching them in their massive jaws."
B.
"The great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, is most likely the worst feared shark currently living in the ocean."
C.
"At an average 17 ft (5.2 m) in length, and weighing over 2400 lb (1,100 kg), this monster is a primeval eating machine."
D.
"It is not known how long great whites live, but scientists estimate the creatures can live anywhere from 75 to 100 years of age."
