FACT

Sharks first appeared around 400 million years ago, while dinosaurs appeared around 230 million years ago.

Source: Ancient Sharks - Natural History Museum

FACT

Young sharks are indeed called pups, regardless of the species.

Source: Shark Reproduction - Encyclopedia Britannica

MYTH

While rare, sharks can and do get cancer. This misconception led to harmful cartilage supplement marketing.

Source: Do Sharks Get Cancer? - Journal of Cancer Research

FACT

The odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 1 million, while shark attack odds are about 1 in 11.5 million.

Source: Shark Attack vs Lightning Strike Odds - Florida Museum

MYTH

Of over 500 shark species, only about 10 are considered dangerous to humans. Most sharks are harmless.

Source: Shark Species and Human Risk - NOAA Fisheries