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People may fear an animal because they don’t know much about it.
To people who study marine animals daily, words like "amazing,"
"beautiful," or "fascinating" describe these animals. to people who
don’t have the opportunity to study and work with marine life, words such as
"ferocious," "mean," or "fearsome" may be used instead.
Could these two groups of people possibly be describing the same animals?
Furthest from the truth.
Out on the ocean long ago, sailors feared the sea. They were afraid of sea creatures they
could not see and did not understand. They told stories of sea monsters that attacked
boats and even people. Eager listeners were quick to create images of vicious and hostile
killers lurking beneath the dark ocean waters. Terror swept through towns, compounding the
already existing tension and fear of the unknown. Did giant squid really pull men from
boats? Were sharks truly man-eaters? Did whales attack boats for the sole purpose of
sinking them? The answers to these questions and others may surprise you.
Today these stories are much less common. We’ve explored much of the sea, and
scientists have discovered that what once seemed so fearsome was often only misunderstood.
To find out if an animal is dangerous, we need to learn about it and understand why
it’s fearsome. |
scorpion
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owl
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An animal’s adaptations may make it seem fearsome.
An adaptation is a modification of an organism that makes it more suited to live in its
environment. Adaptations can be a body part or a behavior that help an animal survive.
These adaptations include protective spines, sharp teeth, poisonous flesh, and stinging
cells. Some adaptations may be dangerous to humans. |
Who needs dangerous sea animals?
Ecosystems! Dangerous sea animals are important members of the ocean ecosystem. Each
organism in an ecosystem has a particular role. Organisms work together to keep their
ecosystem healthy and productive. Removing an ecosystem member may upset the natural
balance.
For example, despite their fearsome reputation, sharks are one of the most valuable
animals in the sea. As predators, they help maintain healthy populations of marine animals
by eating ill, weak, old, and injured animals. However, people use sharks for food,
medicines, vitamins, weapons, jewelry, and sand paper. Following fishing regulations and
keeping water clean are ways people can keep ecosystems healthy. |
sloth
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