at a school bus whole! Of course, the great white average length is anywhere from twelve to sixteen feet long, but they are not restricted to those limitations. The shark’s outer “skin” is covered by something called placoid scales. These scales are like tiny teeth and have the same structure as the shark’s teeth. They are also called dermal denticles. The placoid scales are arranged in a regular patter. Although they do not grow in length, they grow to cover the shark’s surface area as the shark grows. Sometimes, the placoid scales create tiny whirlpools behind each scale, enabling the shark to swim more efficiently. The great white shark has two types of muscles-red and white. Red muscle is aerobic; thus, it needs oxygen to function. This muscle contains myoglobin. The main function of the red muscles is used just for swimming. The white muscle is anaerobic-doesn’t need oxygen. White muscles primarily function for sudden bursts of speed when attacking a prey. One cannot forget to realize the teeth of the great white, as well as its powerful jaw structure. The teeth are actually modified, enlarged placoid scales. The teeth aren’t anchored in the jaw; they are just embedded on the gums. Unfortunately, when the great white shark eats on its prey, it sometimes loses or breaks the tooth by the flesh. Luckily, sharks have developed a special feature that enables it to replace its missing tooth. They have developed rows of teeth, each tooth moving up to replace the missing one. A whole broken row of teeth can be replenished, just like a conveyor belt. Each tooth, though, has a different shape, changing according to its necessity. The great white has triangular, serrated-edged teeth anywhere from one to two inches long. With this feature, the shark is able to tear through the flesh for its meal. The jaw of the shark is made up of strong bone tissue. It must be very powerful bec...
