Which specialized sensory system allows the modern great white to detect faint electrical fields?
Answer
Ampullae of Lorenzini
Beyond structural adaptations like size and teeth, the evolutionary success of the modern great white shark involves the perfection of sensory input tailored for apex predation across varied environments. A key component of this highly tuned sensory suite is the ability to detect faint electrical fields generated by the muscle movements of potential prey. This specialized function is mediated by unique organs known as the ampullae of Lorenzini. This capacity, alongside acute vision and a powerful sense of smell, provides the necessary tools for precise location and targeting required by a predator occupying temperate and subtropical waters.
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