Why do some sharks have to keep swimming to breathe?
Quick Answer
Some sharks rely on ram ventilation, meaning they must swim to push water over their gills. Others can pump water while resting, so breathing ability depends on the species.
The Full Story
Sharks do not all breathe the same way. Species such as great white sharks and mako sharks are strong ram ventilators, using forward motion to force water across their gills. This means they generally must keep moving to get enough oxygen. Other sharks, including nurse sharks, can actively pump water over the gills and rest on the seafloor. The difference reflects body shape, lifestyle, and habitat, with fast open-ocean species more likely to depend on continuous swimming. This is one reason shark diversity is so wide across marine environments.
Key Facts
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