Which statement accurately reflects the size difference between male and female white sharks?
Answer
Males are generally smaller than the females.
There is a distinct size disparity between the sexes in *Carcharodon carcharias*, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism. The documentation indicates that males mature to a generally smaller size compared to their female counterparts. While documented maximum lengths are sometimes difficult to confirm reliably, estimates suggest females can surpass 20 feet (about 6 meters) and weigh upwards of 4,000 pounds. This size difference means that the statistically largest and most massive specimens encountered in feeding areas are usually female, likely due to differences in maturation rates or energy requirements across their lifespan.
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