2007-12-18, Planet Carnivore: Sharks

（单词翻译）

This morning the jackass penguins¹ are out early. This species is unique to Africa, but they are insulated like other penguins. Trapped in winter wear all year long, they get hot easily. And make their way to the water before the sun is high over head. Dawn is when fish are closer to the sea surface, and when young male seal was maybe hunting. The early hours are when great white sharks hunt for seals. So far this robs stay beyond High's lethal² reach. Today he is content to bask³ in the sun. High is still circling the island. She has managed only snacks for close to 2 weeks, and wants to catch a large seal off guard.

Great white sharks can be very patient, and High's great size suggests that she is also skilled. Even with her deadly design, high prefers to ambush⁴ her victims. She locates one by using the millions of scent⁵ cells around her nostrils⁶, then tiny jelly-filled conductors on her snout, allow her to pinpoint⁷ her living target by sensing its electrical field. Once she is close enough to actually see what's she's stalking, she sinks far below her unsuspecting prey⁸. Grown great whites are cleverly counter-shaded from dark grey to creamy white. Seen from beneath, they disappear into the bright surface. From above, they fade into the darker depth. The morning sun enhances the seal's silhouette⁹, and the undersea gloom reduces her own. She doesn't stay near the bottom very long.