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Carcharodon carcharias, otherwise known as the Great White', is probably the world's most instantly recognisable shark. However, its fearsome appearance with rows of serrated white teeth and soulless black eyes, have unfairly led to its notoriety as a man-eater.

This couldn't be further from the truth. Statistics show that shark attacks are far more likely to be perpetrated by species such as Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas).

So far from being mindless killing machines, the eating habits of Great Whites, are primarily concerned with finding enough food to survive. They are the product of millions of years of evolution, and during this time their appearance has changed little since they swam with prehistoric Ichthyosaurs, some 65 million years ago.

Physiology:

Also known as the White Pointer', due to the distinctive white tip on the underside of its nose, the Great White weighs around two tonnes and can measure up to twenty-six feet in length.

It is a powerful swimmer and can reach speeds in excess of 45mph, by utilising its powerful sickle-shaped pectoral fins, and distinctive crescent-shaped tail.

Geographical distribution:

Great Whites are mainly found in a lateral band across the globe, from the coast off California, to the coral reefs off Western Australia, and anywhere in between within a temperature range of 54-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hotspots also include the Cape of South Africa, where the shark plays its part in the eternal predator-prey relationship with Cape Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus).

Eating Habits:

When one thinks of a shark, they usually summon the image of Carcharodon carcharias, thanks to the insidious use of its image in film and advertising. However, there is no getting away from the fact that the Great White looks the way it does because it has evolved to do so.

Rows of razor-sharp, serrated triangular teeth, each the size of a silver dollar, are perpetually replaced throughout the shark's lifetime. He or she will never require dentures, as it is estimated an adult will go through 400 completely new sets by the end of their life.

Great Whites use these awesome weapons, combined with incredible acceleration, to target their favourite prey, Pinnipeds', or Fin-footed animals (Bowling, 2008); namely Seals and Sea Lions. Lacking the ability to chew its food, the shark will clamp on with these teeth, which are arranged to form a vice-like grip around the prey. Once it has hold, the shark will make familiar threshing

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