021 Great White Shark - One Minute History

The great white shark is believed to have evolved from the mako and megalodon around 16 million years ago. As the largest predatory fish, the great white has over 300 teeth and sensory organs capable of detecting the heartbeat of their prey. The great white earns its scientific name before the first recorded fatal shark attack. Summer heat triggers the Jersey Shore shark attacks, which led to widespread panic. Although there are only 5-10 recorded attacks on humans every year, the release of ‘JAWS’/ cements the image of the ‘man-eating’ shark. Great whites can live up to 70 years in the wild and the largest one ever caught measured 20.3 ft. long. Australia creates the White Shark Recovery Plan, New Zealand fully protects the shark and California adds the great white to the endangered species act. Scientists believe great whites are recovering, but their true populations are unknown.