What sensory organs detect weak electrical fields generated by muscle movements in whale sharks?
Answer
The ampullae of Lorenzini
Like all sharks, the whale shark possesses specialized electroreceptors integrated into its sensory array. These organs are specifically known as the ampullae of Lorenzini. They are responsible for detecting the extremely weak electrical fields produced by the muscle contractions of potential prey, allowing the shark to locate organisms even if they are concealed beneath sediment. While this sense might be less critical for a filter feeder compared to an active hunter, the presence of these organs, along with their forward and side placement on the snout, contributes to the shark's comprehensive awareness necessary for navigation and locating dense plankton blooms in the open water.
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