WONDER #2354: How Dangerous is the Cookiecutter Shark?

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following statements about the cookiecutter shark is NOT true?

  1. Cookiecutter sharks have never bitten a human being.
  2. Cookiecutter sharks live far below the ocean’s surface.
  3. Cookiecutter sharks have attacked submarines.
  4. Cookiecutter sharks are 14-22 inches long.

Question 2 of 3

Which is the best evidence that cookiecutter sharks are not a threat to humans?

  1. “Cookiecutter sharks live in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They live near the equator and off the coasts of several islands.”
  2. “Cookiecutter sharks live deep in the ocean, so they rarely come into contact with people.”
  3. “When most people think of sharks, they picture a stalking predator with sharp teeth.”
  4. “A long-distance swimmer reported the first known cookiecutter bite on a human in 2009.”

Question 3 of 3

This Wonder was mostly about...

  1. the only recorded cookiecutter shark attack on a person.
  2. why we should never swim in the ocean.
  3. how difficult it is for the Navy to keep up with repairing submarines.
  4. the appearance, habitat, and feeding habits of the cookiecutter shark.

Check your answers online at https://wonderopolis.org/index.php/wonder/How-Dangerous-is-the-Cookiecutter-Shark.