Sharks circle to make a match

Researchers have often wondered why basking sharks swim together in circles. Now, after studying sharks off the west coast of Ireland, they think it is the aquatic animals’ way of seeing lots of sharks at once so they can find the perfect mate. Basking sharks are known for their huge, gaping mouths, which they use to eat plankton (tiny plants invisible to the human eye) while they swim. Basking sharks are typically solitary (live alone). However, between 2016 and 2021, marine scientists filmed 19 circling groups of basking sharks by using drones and underwater cameras. Between six and 23 sharks would form a circle, with equal numbers of males and females, and swim round and round for hours. During each gathering, the males and females took turns to meet each…

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The Week Junior US (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 133

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