The poison in the white shark is harmless to it but severely affects the ecosystem

Recent research has confirmed the extremely high concentration of toxins in the white shark's body. But the strange thing is they are all right.

For millions of years, the giant white shark has always been the king of the blue sea. They are bloodthirsty predators (though not to the extent of movies), leading the food chain, and causing other creatures to be terrified by the ocean.

However, white sharks are also creatures with many interesting points. Their teeth, for example, can be constantly replaced to maintain sharp properties. Or as the new science confirms, their blood contains extremely high levels of heavy metals , yet they do nothing, even healthier than usual.

Picture 1 of The poison in the white shark is harmless to it but severely affects the ecosystem
White shark's blood contains both mercury, arsenic and lead.

According to a new study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, the experts collected and analyzed blood samples from 43 white sharks off South Africa. The results show that their blood contains both mercury, arsenic and lead, which are so high that they kill and poison big fish.

However, these white sharks seem to be immune to metal toxicity. According to the team, they tested both leukocyte levels (which are produced by the immune system to fight off external bacteria and toxins), but all were normal. This means their bodies do not suffer from the pressure caused by these extremely toxic metals.

"This result suggests that sharks have evolved to have a mechanism that allows them to protect themselves from the effects of heavy metals," said Liza Merly, research author from Miami University.

But of course, finding too high concentrations of metal in white sharks is not good news. Although they are alright, this means that the surrounding environment is seriously polluted.

Picture 2 of The poison in the white shark is harmless to it but severely affects the ecosystem
Poisonous sharks are a sign that heavy metals exist in an ecosystem.

White sharks are the species that heads the food chain. They feed on other animals and easily poison them from their prey. This means that their prey - from dolphins, seals to tuna - is also being poisoned. And even the prey of prey has been poisoned.

In other words, poisoned sharks are a sign that heavy metals exist in an ecosystem.

According to the pair, white sharks can be used as an "ecological indicator , " to help scientists study the ocean environment further. People are also in this ecosystem, and you understand how important this story is.

  1. Interesting facts about sharks surprise you
  2. The killer shark species of the ocean