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Biology/shark question

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Expert: - 7/19/2007


Question
Why can't a shark live out of water, even  if it has water flowing through it's gills for respiration?

Answer
Dear Erinn,

One reason is that the watery habitat provides buoyancy for the shark's body.  The fish can be out of water for a little while.  But gravity would eventually take its toll, and the organs would suffer damage from being compressed under each other and the weight of the animal itself.

In the water, the body wall is evenly supported, and the organs do not experience very much pressure as compared to what they would on land.

Hope that helps.

Dana

Biology

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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