How do Sharks Breathe?

10. Sharks at Risk

Sharks have an amazing ability to adapt. Their methods of breathing are uniquely suitable for their feeding habits and environment. Apex predators tend to be obligate ram ventilators while bottom-feeders have well developed buccal pump mechanisms. Sharks, as a species, survived two mass extinction events throughout earth's long history. Unfortunately, modern times test sharks' coping mechanisms to their limits. Illegal finning leaves sharks to helplessly drown since they can not swim without fins. Fishing nets interfere with the ability to swim, as well. Illegitimate organizations with unregulated zoos or aquariums around the globe have killed thousands of sharks through ignorance and incompetence during transport.