DICTATIONS SECOND SENIORS (14,15)

Sharks

 

Sharks

       Just the mention of the word ’shark’ still strikes fear into the heart of most people. The word evokes images of huge maneaters, like the great white shark in the film ’Jaws’, that attack swimmers and divers, tear them to pieces or even swallow them whole. Such brutal attacks do occur, but very rarely, because sharks attack humans for very specific reasons, which are three. Sharks are territorial creatures, and when we swim in their territory, we are invading it. Divers are especially vulnerable to these attacks. Also, because of our size and shape we are appropriate food size for them, and possibly they mistake us for seals and sea lions. Some researchers say that surfers are also very vulnerable when they are lying on the surfboard. Finally, another common reason is the immaturity of young sharks, who act in the same way as a human child, enjoying anything that can be bitten or nibbled, often with horrible results.

 

 

Crocodiles

     Crocodiles inspire fear, which may have something to do with their dominating presence.  After all, for nearly 100 million years during the Mesozoic era (248-65 million years ago), the crocodilian order ruled the Earth. Today’s crocodiles have changed remarkably little since then. They are still the most advanced reptile species, and they still terrify most people.

     Crocodiles, colloquially called crocs, are large aquatic reptiles that live throughout tropical areas in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.  They tend to gather in slow-moving rivers and feed on a wide variety of living and dead mammals and fish.  The larger types of crocodiles can be very dangerous to humans, some of them killing hundreds of people each year.

     Crocs are very fast over short distances, even out of water. Their jaws are powerful and their teeth are sharp for tearing flesh, but cannot open their mouth if it is held closed. They have limited movement in their neck, so you can protect yourself from an attack by getting even a small tree between yourself and the croc!