Why is designing a definitive IQ test for sharks inherently difficult?

IQ tests are human constructs, and the shark's intelligence is optimized for ocean survival skills

The fundamental challenge in quantifying shark intelligence using metrics like an Intelligence Quotient stems from the nature of the metric itself; IQ tests are constructs designed around human neurological and social parameters. A shark's intelligence is highly specialized and honed by intense evolutionary pressure to excel in specific aquatic domains, such as detecting minute electrical fields generated by prey, navigating immense oceanic distances, or executing instantaneous, high-speed attacks. Simple laboratory settings or even casual observation fail to capture the full spectrum of these specialized, context-dependent cognitive abilities required for survival in the pelagic environment. Therefore, the most tangible data point remains anatomical rather than performance-based.