Scientists document juvenile great white sharks’ diet

The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science by researchers from the University of Sydney, analyzed the diet of 50 juvenile great white sharks caught by the NSW Shark Mesh program. It found that midwater fish like salmon made up 32% of their diet, while bottom-dwelling fish, reef fish, and battoid fish contributed 17%, 5%, and 15% respectively. Sharks also consume cephalopods and begin feeding on marine mammals and other sharks as they grow. The study also tracked the seasonal migration of Australia's great white sharks, noting their range from southern Queensland to northern Tasmania, which expands as they mature.

What was the unexpected finding about great white sharks in the study?

• They hunted more seabed-dwelling prey than expected.

• They only hunted midwater fish.

• They avoided bottom-dwelling fish.

• They did not hunt marine mammals.

Which type of fish constitutes the largest part of the juvenile great white sharks' diet?

• Battoid fish

• Bottom-dwelling fish

• Midwater fish

• Reef fish

What percentage of the juvenile sharks' diet is made up of bottom-dwelling fish?

• 5%

• 17%

• 32%

• 15%

At what stage do great white sharks begin feeding on marine mammals?

• When they are in Tasmania

• During migration

• After growing larger

• As juveniles

Where do the great white sharks migrate as they mature?

• From the Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand

• From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean

• From southern Queensland to northern Tasmania

• From northern Queensland to southern Tasmania