The world's first omnivorous shark has been identified, and it could change the way we think about bloodthirsty sharks

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September 6, 2018 5:24 PM

The bonnethead shark may be the world's first omnivorous shark, according to new research. While scientists have long known that they consume seagrass, they thought it was incidental consumption when the sharks went after their bottom-dwelling prey.

The bonnethead shark may be the world's first omnivorous
While scientists have long known that this shark consumes seagrass, they thought it was incidental consumption when the sharks went after their bottom-dwelling prey.
The researchers say this study may force a rethink about what it means to be a carnivore.

Despite what you may think, not all sharks are bloodthirsty killing machines. Some, like the bonnethead shark, prefer to munch on seagrass.

It's the first shark to receive the official designation of an omnivore, according to new research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The bonnethead shark — which is a smaller cousin of the more famous hammerhead shark — resides in shallow, coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico, and the US's Pacific and Atlantic coast. These areas have plenty of seagrass, along with the shrimp and crabs scientists thought was the shark's preferred sustenance.

Scientists have long known that seagrass ends up in the bonnethead shark's stomach, but were perplexed by the shark's gut, which, as with other sharks, seemed more well-suited to a carnivorous diet.

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