Sharks and the Marine Ecosystem
In Sharks and the Marine Ecosystem, host Simon Reeve goes diving with sharks off the coast of South Africa, where he learns about the important work of a shark conservation organization. This video is excerpted from BBC's Incredible Journeys With Simon Reeve, a series that highlights one journalist’s travels across the globe and the diverse cultures and peoples he meets along the way.
Lesson Express
Q: What do you think the organization Shark Angels hopes to achieve by exposing Simon and other divers to sharks?
A: They aim to debunk the stereotype that sharks are all man-eating monsters. Divers can see up close what incredible creatures they are.
Q: Statistically, shark attacks are quite rare. Why do you think sharks still evoke such a grave fear in humans?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may reference popular movies with shark attacks or news stories. Sharks also look very menacing with their sharp teeth. The way they attack their prey can appear very vicious.
Q: What might happen to the ocean ecosystem if the number of sharks became unbalanced?
A: Sharks control the populations of other species that they hunt. If there are fewer sharks, other species may become too numerous, causing food to become scarce.
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