Hunting Strategies:
* Ambush: Great whites often lie in wait near seal colonies, kelp forests, or other areas where their prey congregates. They then launch sudden, powerful attacks from below.
* Ramming: They can use their powerful bodies to ram into their prey, stunning them or breaking bones.
* Shake and Bite: After grabbing their prey, great whites often shake their heads violently to tear off large chunks of flesh.
* Sensory Abilities: Their keen sense of smell, electroreception (detecting electrical fields), and vision help them locate prey from afar.
Diet:
Their primary food sources include:
* Seals: The most common prey for great whites, especially along coastal areas.
* Sea lions: Similar to seals, these are often targeted in areas where they congregate.
* Fish: Larger fish like tuna, swordfish, and sharks can also be prey.
* Other Marine Mammals: Dolphins, whales, and even other shark species can fall victim to a great white.
* Carrion: They are known to scavenge on dead animals, making them important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Important Note:
While great whites are powerful predators, they are not indiscriminate killers. They are generally careful not to waste energy on prey that is too small or too difficult to catch.
It's important to remember that great white sharks are vital to maintaining the balance of their marine ecosystem.