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Sharks have incredibly powerful bites, with some species capable of exerting a force of over 18,000 newtons. The strength of a shark’s bite varies depending on its size and species, with larger sharks generally having stronger bites. The great white shark, for example, has one of the strongest bites of any shark, capable of exerting a force of over 18,000 newtons. However, it is worth noting that the strength of a shark’s bite does not necessarily correspond to the damage it can cause, as other factors such as tooth shape and jaw mechanics can also play a role.
Wild Animals
The Science Behind Shark Bites
Tory Belleci from “MythBusters” tests the strength of a mechanical shark bite in a challenging way.
Copyright Discovery Communications, LLC
The perception that sharks can bite through anything in their path is not entirely accurate. The strength of a shark’s bite is not as powerful as people think.
For many years, the strength of a shark’s bite was anecdotal and qualitative. It was based on reports of attacks from predators such as the bull, great white, and tiger sharks. Although it was known that many species could bite through the human body, no numerical data was associated with the evidence. The first test to measure the pressure exerted by a shark bite was conducted in 1965 by two researchers who developed a gauge consisting of a solid aluminum tube wrapped in PVC with ball bearings inserted around the outside of the device [source: Martin].
The researchers covered the device with mackerel and gave it to lemon, tiger, and dusky sharks to chew on. By calculating how deep the sharks pushed the ball bearings into the tube when they clamped down with their jaws, scientists could estimate how much force was packed into each bite. They discovered that dusky sharks had the most robust bite, exerting around 27 pounds of force [source: Martin].
Since different species of sharks have adapted to eating various types of food, the strength of their bites should logically be different. Some sharks, such as the whale shark (the largest shark species), have thousands of teeth but no longer use them. Instead, they have developed a tissue that filters plankton and small fish straight into their stomachs. Other sharks, such as the horn shark, are adapted for durophagy, which involves eating hard-shelled animals alive by crushing and breaking their shells with their teeth and jaw strength.
At the University of South Florida (USF), shark researchers use a force transducer to measure the force of a bite. The USF researchers have discovered that blacktip sharks (about five feet or 1.5m long) can generate roughly 243.5 pounds of force in their rear jaws, while horn sharks create almost 76 pounds of force in their rear jaws [source: USF].
Despite this, a mean bite force study from 1995 found that 22 common breeds of dogs had a bite force under 58 pounds [source: Lindner, et al]. However, when it comes to the big guys like tiger, bull, and great white sharks, it is their teeth that do the most damage. Most shark researchers believe that this is why the number of fatalities from great white shark attacks is so disproportionately low compared to the number of attacks. Researchers at the University of New South Wales who studied great whites’ bite strength believe that this species’ capability to inflict carnage is based on its incredibly sharp and abundant teeth, not the strength of its jaws [source: Live Science].
Curiously, despite their destructive force, sharks’ teeth fall out easily. Sharks do not have any bones in their bodies (their supportive structures are made of cartilage), so their teeth are not anchored to their jaws as firmly as human teeth are. Although shark teeth can break off easily, sharks can regrow them. Lemon sharks can replace a lost tooth in about eight days [source: Sea World]. This is why sharks maintain their reputation as the most terrifying predators on Earth, even if they cannot bite as hard as we believed.
To learn more about sharks and related subjects, go to the following page.
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Additional Links
- Discovery Channel’s Shark Week: “MythBusters”
- ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research
Sources
- Bryner, Jenna. “Great white shark’s bite not so strong.” Live Science. August 31, 2007. http://www.livescience.com/animals/070831_bite_force.html
- Lindner, DL, et al. “Measurement of bite force in dogs: A pilot study.” University of Illinois. 1995. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9693626?ordinalpos=17&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
- Martin, R. Aidan. “The power of shark bites.” ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/topics/r_bites.htm
- “All time USA box office.” Internet Movie Database. June 9, 2008.http://www.imdb.com/boxoffice/alltimegross
- “Bite force research.” University of South Florida. http://luna.cas.usf.edu/~motta/biteforce.htm
- “Great white’s mighty bite to be revealed.” University of New South Wales. August 2, 2007. http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/news/news020807.html
- “Sharks and rays: Diet and eating habits.” Sea World.http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/sharks-&-rays/diet.htm
- “Teen surfer describes shark attack.” CNN. November 2, 2003.http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/11/02/shark.attack.ap/
FAQ
1. What is the strength of a shark’s bite?
A shark’s bite is incredibly strong and can range from 1,000 to 18,000 newtons of force, depending on the species. This is much stronger than the bite of most other animals, including humans.
2. How does a shark’s bite compare to a human’s?
A shark’s bite is much stronger than a human’s bite. While humans typically have a bite force of around 160 pounds, a shark’s bite can range from 200 to 18,000 pounds of force.
3. What makes a shark’s bite so strong?
A shark’s bite is so strong because of its powerful jaw muscles and sharp teeth. Sharks have multiple rows of teeth that are constantly replaced, allowing them to bite with incredible force.
4. Can a shark break bones with its bite?
Yes, a shark’s bite is strong enough to break bones. In fact, some species of sharks are known to be able to crush the shells of sea turtles and other hard-shelled animals with their bite.
5. What is the most powerful bite of any shark species?
The most powerful bite of any shark species belongs to the great white shark. Its bite can generate up to 18,000 newtons of force, making it one of the strongest bites of any animal on earth.
6. How fast can a shark’s jaws close?
A shark’s jaws can close incredibly quickly, with some species able to close their jaws in just a fraction of a second.
7. Can a shark bite through metal?
While a shark’s bite is incredibly strong, it is unlikely that it could bite through metal. However, some species of sharks have been known to damage boats and other objects made of metal with their bite.
8. Has anyone ever measured the force of a shark’s bite?
Yes, researchers have used various methods to measure the force of a shark’s bite. One common method is to use custom-fitted pressure sensors that can measure the force of the bite in newtons.
9. How does a shark use its bite in the wild?
Sharks use their bite to catch and kill prey, as well as for self-defense. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth allow them to quickly and efficiently subdue their prey.
10. Can a shark’s bite be fatal to humans?
While a shark’s bite can be incredibly dangerous and cause serious injury, it is rarely fatal to humans. Most shark attacks are actually cases of mistaken identity, where the shark mistakes a human for its natural prey.
11. Are there any animals that can survive a shark’s bite?
There are some animals that are able to survive a shark’s bite, such as sea turtles and crocodiles. These animals have evolved tough skin and shells that can protect them from a shark’s powerful bite.
12. What should you do if you are bitten by a shark?
If you are bitten by a shark, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even small bites can become infected and lead to serious complications. It is also important to try to remain calm and avoid panicking, as this can make the situation worse.
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