It Turns Out, Sharks Can Hear Way Better Than We Thought
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered that blacktip sharks can detect sounds from up to 74 meters away, significantly further than previously thought. The study utilized drones and underwater microphones to observe shark behavior in response to low-frequency sounds.
Why it matters
Understanding the sensory capabilities of marine predators improves ecological knowledge and human safety in coastal waters.
It's helpful to know how well the senses of underwater predators are working – both to better understand the ecology and biology of marine life, and to get out of their way should you come into contact with them.
How well sharks can hear has been something of a mystery until now, mainly because it's difficult to measure in a controlled way.
Hearing is crucial though, especially underwater, for locating prey, avoiding predators, and finding potential mates.
In a new study published in Integrative Organismal Biology , researchers from Florida Atlantic University have demonstrated that blacktip sharks ( Carcharhinus limbatus ) can hear sounds from as far away as 74 meters (243 feet).
That's well beyond the limit of what's known as near-field sound, which has a more direct impact on water particles. At that range, we're talking about far-field sound, where pressure creates more subtle particle movement.
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