· In other words, when sharks eat fish they eat everything that fish has eaten, which helps explain some of the smaller trash, microplastics, and other oddities found inside a shark’sstomach. Beyond the stomach is another strange but fascinating adaptation, the spiral intestine [21.13]. Unique to the sharks, skates and rays, the spiral intestine looks like a spiral staircase in that there is a flap of tissue that moves in a spiral shape throughout the intestine.
Understanding the Context
In one remarkable instance, a tiger shark’sstomach was found to contain a license plate, a find that underscores the variety of debris ingested by these animals. Sharks are the apex predators of the ocean, but did you know their diets go far beyond fish and seals? In this video, we uncover some of the strangest things ever found in the stomachs of sharks ... The Shark Inside The inside of the shark is designed for maximum efficiency, just like its outside.
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Key Insights
Sharks have large J-shaped stomachs that can expand considerably. When prey is captured, it is usually swallowed whole or in large pieces. The stomach produces an acid that is strong enough to dissolve metal. Discover the truth about shark digestion—sharks have a single J-shaped stomach, not multiple chambers like cows. This article reveals how their powerful stomach enzymes and unique spiral intestine work together to efficiently break down tough prey, fueling their predatory lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Learn how these adaptations make sharks top ocean hunters. Control of food moving into the White Shark'sstomach is accomplished by way of a contractile ring of muscle called a sphincter. The stomach itself is a or J-shaped organ, constituting about 20% of the shark's body length, and located along the midline of the body just posterior to the gills.