Although Discovery Channel showcases its Shark Week programming for only seven days each summer, sharks—along with rays—deserve year-round attention for their roles in maintaining a healthy ocean and providing economic benefits through ecotourism. After all, how much can you learn about sharks in a week?
For example, did you know that international demand for shark fins and meat, combined with inadequate conservation and management, has led to the worldwide overfishing of many shark populations? Or that each year, at least 63 million and as many as 273 million sharks are killed in commercial fisheries? That’s an unsustainable number that has driven some species toward extinction.
Okay, we’re done giving away answers. Time to test your knowledge about sharks and rays with our quiz.